Reproductive coercion and prenatal distress among young pregnant women in Monrovia, Liberia

Health Care Women Int. 2018 Sep;39(9):968-974. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2018.1490740. Epub 2018 Aug 27.

Abstract

Women who experience reproductive coercion are at risk for poor reproductive health, but no study has examined prenatal distress as a consequence. Using cross-sectional data of 195 pregnant women aged 18-30 in Monrovia, Liberia, we examined the association between reproductive coercion and prenatal distress. The prevalence of current reproductive coercion was 9%. Young pregnant women who experienced reproductive coercion had more prenatal distress than women without these experiences. Reproductive coercion can heighten pregnancy-specific concerns for young Liberian women. Family-planning programs and providers should assess current reproductive coercion among young pregnant women and find ways to help women mitigate pregnancy concerns.