FETAL AND NEONATAL ABUSE

Child abuse is rarely considered in fetuses and neonates. Events that may be interpreted as physical or psychological abuse of fetuses or ne onates by the mother or health care providers are discussed. The abuse is usually unintentional and unconscious but can nevertheless adverse ly affect the physical or psychological development of the child. Grea ter awareness of child abuse by those who provide health care to fetus es and neonates would improve the prevention of early child abuse.