Pregnant asylum-seeking women and those with young babies living in initial accommodation centres are a highly vulnerable group. The care that these women receive during pregnancy, childbirth and in the postnatal period can have a lifelong impact on them and their babies. This study, conducted in June 2008, investigates the health and wellbeing needs of this group of women through holding in-depth consultations with professionals from the main organisations involved in their care and accommodation. Analysis of consultations identified areas of concern--health needs, women in transition, access to services, access to resources and information, and working environment. Several recommendations are made, which constitute small changes in practice that could make large differences to the quality of life of women in this group.

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Needs Assessment Vulnerable Populations vulnerable population refugee human Refugees health service Great Britain Humans Infant, Newborn female Infant newborn pregnancy Article organization and management United Kingdom Perinatal Care maternal welfare Maternal Health Services Health Services Accessibility health care delivery