Most studies documenting battering during pregnancy were obtained from women in shelters. This study used a 19-item questionnaire to interview a random sample of 290 healthy pregnant women. The study sample was black, white, and Hispanic women from six public and two private prenatal clinics in a metropolitan area, with a population exceeding 3 million. The 6 public clinics, randomly selected from 13 in the area, served approximately 14,047 patients in 1985. The 2 private clinics, which provided prenatal care for approximately 350 women in 1985, were not randomly selected. The women were interviewed during routine prenatal appointments when most were 8 months pregnant. Descriptive analysis revealed that 36 percent of the women interview were battered, threatened, or suggestive of battering during pregnancy. Findings indicate that abuse did not vary according to race and ethnicity. Results revealed the need for an educational program to prepare health providers to assess, intervene, advocate, and refer pregnant women who are battered or at risk for battering. Charts and 25 references.