Brain Injury During Pregnancy: An Underrecognized Public Health Crisis

Pregnancy is often framed as a time of heightened care, protection, and medical oversight—but what if that narrative overlooks a critical reality? What if, for some, pregnancy is actually a period of increased vulnerability to intimate partner violence (IPV)? And what happens when that violence targets the head, neck, or face—could brain injury be far more common than we realize?

What does the research show?

At the 2026 North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS) Conference in Washington, D.C., Safe Living Space researcher Jessica Almgren-Bell presented a systematic literature review titled “Brain Injury from Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy: An Underrecognized Public Health Crisis.” Her findings revealed a striking gap in the medical literature. Of 65 articles initially identified, only 23 met the criteria for review—and just one specifically addressed abuse-induced brain injury during pregnancy. This is particularly concerning given that IPV is estimated to affect between 4–20% of pregnancies. The absence of focused research leaves clinicians without clear guidance and patients without the validation, screening, and care they deserve.

What does the gap mean?

This gap is not just academic—it has real-world consequences. Without routine screening or awareness of brain injury in the context of IPV during pregnancy, symptoms may be misattributed, overlooked, or dismissed entirely. This can delay care, complicate pregnancy outcomes, and increase long-term health risks for both the parent and child. Brain injuries sustained during this critical period can affect cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health, all of which are essential to maternal well-being and early caregiving.

Addressing this issue requires urgent attention across research, clinical practice, and public health policy. Expanding data collection, integrating brain injury screening into prenatal care, and educating providers are essential steps toward closing this gap. Just as importantly, raising awareness helps ensure that those affected are seen, heard, and supported.

How is Safe Living Space helping?

Safe Living Space is leading this work through research with academic medical centers and public health agencies to understand traumatic brain injuries that can start and/or increase during pregnancy due to domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Progress depends on collective action. You can be part of the solution by supporting research that brings visibility to this issue or by volunteering to expand education and awareness efforts. Elevating brain injury during pregnancy from underrecognized to prioritized is not just necessary—it is essential to improving outcomes and protecting one of the most vulnerable populations.

What to do if your experiencing IPV?

If you are pregnant and experiencing intimate partner violence, help is available. Symptoms—like headaches, dizziness, or memory issues—can be signs of a brain injury that needs medical attention. Please reach out to your medical provider for personalized care. Additionaly, confidential support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org), and if you are in immediate danger, call 911. Everyone deserves brain safety where they live, work and play.