The Second National Family Violence Survey revealed that the rates of violence against pregnant women were 154 acts of violence per 1,000 during the first 4 months of pregnancy and 170 acts of violence per 1,000 during the fifth through ninth months. The one small study focusing on adverse birth outcome suggests an increased risk of low birth weight in the babies born to women abused during pregnancy. The abused women experience both physical and psychological effects, including shame, fear, reduced self- esteem, self-blaming, and depression. Most women will provide information about abuse only if they are asked specifically about them. Victimized women also appear more likely to disclose the circumstances of their victimization to other women and to personnel who offer protection and support. All medical and surgical services for women should establish linkages to battered women's programs to provide access to protection, crisis intervention, and support. Ideally, after disclosure to a physician, nurse, or social worker, the woman would be seen as quickly as possible by an advocate or the social worker. Information and planning would then focus on the woman's safety and on ways to address any needs for housing, court action, referrals for legal and medical care, and referrals to counseling support groups. 50 references