Pregnant women seeking asylum in the UK may be particularly vulnerable, with poor underlying health, more complex pregnancies and an increased risk of maternal and perinatal mortality. Studies have shown that some women seeking asylum have poor experiences of maternity care. This is despite the implementation of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines to improve care for women with complex social factors. This article reports on a phenomenological study undertaken in West Yorkshire, aiming to explore the maternity care experiences of local, pregnant, asylum-seeking women, to inform service development. Six women were interviewed over a 3-month period. The findings focused more broadly on their experiences of living in the UK while being pregnant and seeking asylum, rather than focusing on maternity care, although this was included. Five key themes emerged: pre-booking challenges; inappropriate accommodation; being pregnant and dispersed; being alone and pregnant; and not being asked or listened to. These findings could be used as a basis for training midwives to understand how the difficulties women experience can have an impact on their health and social needs.

Pregnant inequalities Vulnerable asylum seeking Maternity care Health needs

female phenomenology Infant maternal care social needs clinical article human midwife