title: A systematic review and meta-analysis of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and selected birth outcomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intimate partner violence (IPV) has a detrimental impact on the lives of women worldwide. Several studies have examined the effect IPV has on adverse birth outcomes when it occurs during pregnancy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore the association between IPV and selected adverse birth outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multiple databases were searched to identify studies investigating the association between IPV and low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and/or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
  
  
  METHODS
  Included studies defined the perpetrator of violence as an intimate partner, the type of violence as physical and/or sexual, and the study outcomes as LBW, preterm birth, or IUGR, with violence preceding delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate adjusted/unadjusted odds ratios (ORs). Subanalyses explored the effect of emotional/psychological violence on birth outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria (15 LBW, 12 preterm birth, 4 IUGR). IPV was associated with LBW (OR 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.31; I(2)=0.70, P<0.001) and preterm birth (OR 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.21-1.63; I(2)=0.20, P<0.001). No statistically significant association was found for IUGR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are associations between IPV and LBW and preterm birth that could be causal.
authors.affiliation: Global Women's Institute, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Amber
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. Electronic address: pallittoc@who.int.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pallitto
authors.affiliation: Department of Gender Violence and Rights, International Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCleary-Sills
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Garcia-Moreno
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000254:growth & development*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016017:Odds Ratio; D000066550:Physical Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Intimate partner violence; Low birth weight; Meta-analysis; Physical violence; Pregnancy; Preterm birth; Sexual violence; Systematic review