Episode 51: Pregnant and Trapped - Domestic Violence During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of joy, hope, and anticipation—but for far too many people, it happens inside an abusive relationship.

In this deeply personal and educational episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn explores the realities of experiencing domestic violence during pregnancy. As she prepares to welcome her own baby any day now, she shares why this topic feels especially heavy, important, and urgent.

This episode breaks down:

• How and why abuse can begin or escalate during pregnancy

• The physical, emotional, and psychological risks for both parent and baby

• The hidden forms of control and medical abuse pregnant survivors face

• Why leaving is often more dangerous and complicated during pregnancy

• The long-term impact of stress and trauma on prenatal and postpartum health

• Verified statistics that show why this is a serious public health issue

With compassion, honesty, and education, this episode speaks directly to pregnant survivors, reminding them they are not weak, not failing, and not alone. It also offers insight for loved ones and support systems who want to better understand the complexities of abuse during pregnancy.

💛 Holiday Note & Podcast Update: As we approach the holidays—and with Baby Baker’s arrival happening any day now—this episode may be the last new release for the next couple of months while Autumn steps away to focus on recovery, family, and the transition into motherhood. Thank you for your continued support, grace, and understanding during this season.

From Almost Oblivious to you: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and may this season bring you safety, peace, and hope—wherever you are in your journey.

🔗 Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Intimate Partner Violence and Pregnancy CDC reports that approximately 5–6% of people with a recent live birth experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence during pregnancy. ⁠https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/violence-and-pregnancy.html⁠

• World Health Organization (WHO) Violence Against Women: Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Global estimates indicate that up to 1 in 4 pregnant people experience some form of intimate partner violence, with psychological abuse being the most common. ⁠https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women⁠

• CDC – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy and Maternal Health Behaviors IPV during pregnancy is associated with delayed prenatal care, depression, substance use, low birth weight, and preterm birth. ⁠https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr⁠

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Intimate Partner Violence (Committee Opinion No. 518) ACOG recognizes domestic violence as a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes and recommends routine screening. ⁠https://www.acog.org⁠

• Harvard Center on the Developing Child Toxic stress during pregnancy can affect fetal brain development and long-term health outcomes. ⁠https://developingchild.harvard.edu⁠

• National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) 📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 📱 Text “START” to 88788 🌐 ⁠https://www.thehotline.org⁠

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