Trauma, Abuse and Safety

Stressful, frightening or harmful experiences throughout your life can deeply affect your emotional and physical well-being as well as your personal safety. Trauma can stem from any event that makes you feel unsafe, shocked, angry, distrustful or overwhelmed, and it can change how you feel, think and react long after the experience is over. Abuse occurs when someone harms, threatens or controls another person. It can be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, financial or psychological, and it can happen as a single incident or a repeated pattern within relationships, families or other settings.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of monumental transition, a vulnerable window where parents deserve to feel deeply cared for, rather than alone, overwhelmed or unsafe. Experiences of trauma or abuse can have a profound impact on this journey. Past trauma may resurface during this time, disrupting your sleep, affecting your mood or altering your ability to feel safe and supported. Furthermore, the chronic stress of navigating an unsafe relationship can make both pregnancy and your postpartum physical recovery much more difficult.

For some individuals, the experience of childbirth itself can be triggering. Medical procedures, a loss of physical control, or feeling powerless and not listened to during labor can be completely overwhelming, particularly for those with prior trauma. Frightening or complicated deliveries, emergency medical situations or the painful loss of a pregnancy or baby can leave a lasting emotional impact. It is vital to remember that trauma and abuse are never your fault, and no one should have to navigate these heavy burdens alone. Sharing these experiences allows your health care providers and support network to deliver safer, more compassionate care, actively reduce potential triggers and connect you with the right resources to support your healing.

If you need assistance, counseling or resources related to domestic violence, sexual assault or trauma-related services, please consider contacting these organizations.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233

National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support, resources, and referrals to pregnant and postpartum individuals facing mental health challenges. Counselors offer support by phone and text in English and Spanish. Interpreter services are available in 60 additional languages. Call or text 1-833-943-5746 (1-833-9-HELP4M(oms)). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-943-5746.