NCJ Number
138926
Journal
Federal Prisons Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1992) Pages: 49- 53,58
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Pregnant women in prison face unique problems, such as stress, environmental and legal restrictions, unhealthy behavior, and weakened or nonexistent social support systems.
Abstract
Maternity care in the prison setting is based on certain values and assumptions: pregnancy is a healthy state; pregnant women have the right of self-determination regarding their bodily functions; and all women have the right to physical safety and access to certain health care services. Female inmates are outside the normal mothering experience in several ways. Incarcerated women experience a higher than normal level of stress and have a higher incidence of complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Adaptation to pregnancy is also limited by the prison environment; mandatory work, structured meal times, and lack of environmental stimulation may decrease the likelihood of individualized prenatal care. Even if ideal opportunities for nutritional education and physical development are available during pregnancy, pregnant women do not always take advantage of them if they do not receive support from inmate peer groups. Further, maternal identity depends on rehearsal for the anticipated role after birth, and women in Federal prisons do not directly care for their infants after birth. Any plan to meet the maternity and nursing care needs of female inmates should be guided by interventions designed to reduce stress, decrease environmental restrictions, promote a healthy lifestyle, and develop decisionmaking and coping skills. A thorough assessment of factors affecting pregnancy should include identifying groups and persons to whom the inmate turns for advice and information. Health care workers should also formulate an obstetrical treatment plan for pregnant inmates. A holistic, health-oriented model is an appropriate framework for delivering health services to pregnant inmates in Federal correctional facilities. 2 references