Pregnancy, Trauma, and Intimate Partner Violence: Recognition, Risk Factors, and Maternal Mental Health

In this course, mental health counsellor and clinical faculty member Dr. S. Anandavalli (Ph.D., LPC, NCC, CCTP, Clinical Faculty, Southern New Hampshire University) introduces the complex relationship between pregnancy, trauma, intimate partner violence, and maternal mental health. Moving beyond common misconceptions about abuse, Dr. Anandavalli examines physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and reproductive forms of violence and considers how pregnancy can create particular vulnerabilities to the onset or escalation of coercive and controlling behaviour. You will examine pregnancy-specific risk factors and warning signs; maternal and foetal consequences; reproductive coercion; and the cultural, racial, socioeconomic, immigration, and systemic factors that can influence disclosure and help-seeking. The course also considers practical clinical responses, including sensitive screening, safety planning, multidisciplinary referrals, culturally responsive care, collaborative referral conversations, and warm handoffs that preserve survivor autonomy while strengthening access to appropriate support.