The homeless pregnant woman

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017 Sep;30(17):2115-2118. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1238896. Epub 2016 Oct 6.

Abstract

Women who are pregnant and homeless constitute a unique group at significant risk of adverse foetal and maternal outcomes. Despite this heightened risk profile, social housing support to this group of women is less than satisfactory. Concerted effort and more collaborative working is needed by all who provide social, and healthcare services to homeless pregnant women, to improve the lot of these women. Clear definitions and legislative provisions in respect of the homeless will go a long way in reducing ambiguity and close loopholes which currently act to deny the homeless pregnant woman social housing support at a time when it is most needed.

Keywords: Homeless; morbidity; mortality; pregnant; social housing; women.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Ill-Housed Persons / statistics & numerical data
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women*
  • Prenatal Care
  • Public Housing / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support*
  • United Kingdom