The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Pregnancy, Labor and Birth

Current estimates of the incidence of childhood sexual abuse range from 12%
to 40%, indicating that a significant number of women enter pregnancy, labor and birth with past experiences of
trauma. Recent quantitative research results have revealed little significant difference in rates of obstetrical
complications and pregnancy outcomes in women reporting histories of childhood sexual abuse and those
reporting no history of childhood sexual abuse. Empirical data and anecdotal reports of women’s experiences
during pregnancy, labor and birth, as well as health practitioners’ experiences of providing prenatal and
obstetrical care, indicate that a history of childhood sexual abuse can have a psychological and behavioral
impact on the woman that may be evidenced throughout the prenatal and birth process. An awareness of the
individual needs of survivors of childhood sexual abuse during this critical time has implications for the care
provided by prenatal and obstetrical health care practitioners. KEY WORDS: childhood sexual abuse,
pregnancy, labor, childbirth, prenatal care, obstetrical care.