Domestic Violence during Pregnancy and Its Interaction with Hormonal Changes and Abuse: A Review of Suicide Risk Factors

Abstract

Domestic violence—encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological abuse—significantly elevates suicide risk among pregnant women, a population already vulnerable due to profound physiological and psychological changes during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen and progesterone, interact synergistically with abuse-related trauma, exacerbating mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are precursors to suicidal ideation. This review synthesizes evidence on how domestic violence and hormonal dynamics during pregnancy jointly heighten suicide risk, emphasizing the critical need for early screening and multidisciplinary interventions in prenatal care. By addressing both abuse and its biological interplay with pregnancy-specific changes, healthcare providers can mitigate severe maternal outcomes.