Pregnancy is a time of enormous physical and emotional change for both you and your partner. In fact, most people find it very stressful.

Regardless of these significant changes, it is never acceptable for your partner to physically or sexually harm you. Doing so could threaten both the pregnancy and the health of your child. Neither should your partner threaten you or inflict verbal abuse.

If you feel your partner might harm you, get help immediately. Call your doctor or a friend, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, which can direct you to resources available in your area.

Other sources of information include the Family Violence Prevention Fund's Web site at www.fvpf.org and Men Stopping Violence on the Web at www.menstoppingviolence.org.