ABSTRACT
This chapter considers definitions and the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse and, in particular, issues related to childbirth, including adolescent pregnancy, preterm labour, language and power, unhappiness after birth, and breastfeeding. It provides background information about the definition and prevalence of childhood sexual abuse, but the main focus is on the long-term effects and the specific issues related to pregnancy and childbirth. The relationship between childhood sexual abuse and adolescent pregnancy, preterm labour, labour and birth, language, breastfeeding, and unhappiness after birth is considered. Finally, there is a brief consideration of clinicians who have been sexually abused as children, with particular reference to the effects on their clinical judgement. The use of lithotomy is something that many midwives and healthcare professionals take for granted, but it may induce particularly violent memories for women who have been sexually abused. Many midwives will have assisted women during their births unaware that these women were sexually abused as children.
