Gender Violence in Maternal Health: Consequences and Barriers to Care in Pregnancy and Maternity Contexts

Abstract

Gender-based violence affects millions of women around the world, especially during pregnancy and motherhood, representing a serious violation of human rights and public health. The forms of violence vary, including physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence, impacting maternal and child health. Understanding the consequences of this phenomenon and the barriers faced by women in accessing adequate care is essential for promoting maternal health. This study seeks to analyze the consequences of gender-based violence on maternal health and identify the main barriers to care that women face in pregnancy and maternity contexts. A narrative literature review was carried out, with searches in the VHL, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases. Gender-based violence results in pregnancy complications such as premature birth and low birth weight, as well as psychological effects such as anxiety and depression. Barriers include fear of reprisals, social stigma and lack of social support. Women who experience this violence face difficulties in accessing adequate health services, aggravating the impacts on maternal and child health. Finally, gender-based violence has serious physical and emotional consequences for pregnant women, and barriers to care exacerbate these effects. Public policies aimed at preventing violence and improving maternal health services are necessary to ensure safer and more equitable care.