Pregnancy can heighten tension Published Oct. 17, 2014 By Senior Airman Percee Lammie 60th Surgical Operations Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- October plays host to several important issues including domestic violence awareness. Domestic violence is a pattern of physical, sexual and psychological attacks which includes financial abuse against a current or former intimate partner. This can encompass anything ranging from isolation from family, name calling, threats, pinching or punching all the way up to attempts to end a partner's life. At first glance, domestic violence seems like a social issue, but it is a women's health issue as well. While violence can be perpetrated by women against men, an overwhelming amount of violence is committed by men against women. Violence and abuse affects women from all backgrounds of life and can occur at any given time. However, one of the times that violence is most likely to occur is during pregnancy. In many situations, pregnancy serves as a catalyst to domestic violence in the home or to an increase in violence already present. In fact, studies have found that pregnancy-related violence occurs more frequently during pregnancy than both diabetes and pre-eclampsia combined and can be just as dangerous for mother and baby. Effects can be physical, emotional and developmental as listed below: Effects on mom: · Risk of pregnancy bleeding · Sexually transmitted diseases from sexual abuse · Injury to the uterus · Severe illness · Depression and other mental illnesses · High blood pressure · Stress · Chronic pain Effects on baby: · Low birth weight · Stillbirth · Fetal injuries · Developmental issues · Trouble eating · Trouble sleeping For the health and well-being of both mother and child, it is vital that the mother is in an environment where she is not constantly in fear or under threat of violence. This is where pregnancy-related violence becomes a community-wide effort. Family members and friends can assist by keeping an eye out for signs of abuse such as bruises and wounds, decreased communication and depression. Health professionals should ensure that they are vigilant in their screening processes. If you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, pregnant or not, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline toll free at 1-800-799-7233. Know your options and have a plan. Your life or that of a loved one depends on it. For further information on domestic violence or to address matters concerning yourself or a loved one, call the David Grant USAF Medical Center's Family Advocacy office at 423-5168.