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Pregnant Prisoners: Impact of Incarceration on Health and Health Care

NCJ Number
161386
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 169-190
Author(s)
C I Fogel
Date Published
1995
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Interviews were conducted with 89 pregnant inmates at a major correctional facility for women during the third trimester of pregnancy to add to existing information on health care needs of pregnant inmates.
Abstract
Respondents typically were poorly educated, young women of color who were single heads of household. Data were collected not only from interviews but also from prison health records, hospital records, and birth certificates. Findings suggested several areas of difficulty for pregnant inmates: high-risk lifestyle behaviors, inadequate prenatal care and followup, increased general stress, poor psychological health, and inadequate social support. Health care implications and interventions specific to each area of difficulty are presented. The author recommends that comprehensive maternity care for pregnant inmates be part of the total rehabilitation environment of women in prison. 56 references and 2 tables