Introduction Because lifetime trauma exposure has been linked to multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes, there is a need for all perinatal care providers to be versed in trauma‐informed care practices. However, there are few data to guide trauma‐informed practice during the perinatal period. The objective of this study was to refine ongoing development of a trauma‐informed care framework for perinatal care by conducting a qualitative study of all trauma experiences and preferred screening practices of pregnant patients at an urban prenatal clinic. Methods In this qualitative study, we conducted semistructured interviews with 30 women receiving prenatal care at an urban clinic. Participants also completed a trauma history questionnaire. Inductive coding was used to generate themes and subthemes. Results Participants described multiple lifetime traumatic exposures as well as background exposure to community violence. Not all participants desired routine trauma screening; factors limiting disclosure included fear of retraumatization and belief that prior trauma is unrelated to the current pregnancy. Strong therapeutic relationships were identified as critical to any trauma history discussion. Discussion This study supports a trauma‐informed care approach to caring for pregnant women with prior traumatic exposures, including trauma screening without retraumatization and trusting patient‐provider relationships.

Obstetricians have limited knowledge and experience and hold very negative attitudes about planned home birth. Research is necessary to determine: 1) whether negative obstetrician attitudes would be modified by exposure to home birth education and experience, and, 2) whether negative obstetrician beliefs deter safe and timely transfer from home or compromise hospital care for transferred parturients.

An institutional DCC protocol for deliveries <34 weeks was not associated with an identifiable increase in adverse maternal outcomes.

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