Pregnant women have a host of challenges when incarcerated. Their pregnancies are frequently complicated by mental health issues, substance use disorders, poor health, poor nutrition, and lack of prenatal care. There are additional health risks while in corrections due to restraints, substance abuse management, and inadequate staff training. Focusing on obstetrical challenges in the prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum periods will better equip participants to improve outcomes for incarcerated mothers and their infants.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the challenges of obstetrical care in corrections during the prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum periods
• Identify methods to meet the challenges of obstetrical care in corrections
• Debate restraint use for pregnant and postpartum women

Level: Intermediate