To evaluate the prevalence of a history of physical and sexual abuse i
n pregnant, economically stable, middle-class women with access to com
prehensive health care, we issued self-report questionnaires to prenat
al orientation classes at Wilford Hall Medical Center from October 19,
1992, to March 15, 1993. After identifying women who had been physica
lly or sexually abused, we identified the assailant, the number of occ
urrences, and injuries resulting from the abuse. Of the 563 women who
responded, 100 (18%) reported previous physical or sexual abuse. Seven
women (1%) stated that they were physically abused during the pregnan
cy. Women were more Likely to be physically than sexually abused by a
spouse or lover (46% versus 13%). To identify women who have a history
of abuse and to address their needs, practitioners should incorporate
taking a history of physical and sexual abuse during the routine new
obstetric visit.