All pregnant women in prison including those on remand are given a full antenatal assessment by a registered midwife or medical officer with obstetric qualifications as soon as is practical or immediately if there is any concern for the welfare of the prisoner or her unborn child.
Each women's prison has 24 hour access to, and liaison with, appropriate hospital and community based obstetric and midwifery services.
Pregnant women who are known substance abusers are referred to a medical practitioner with obstetric qualifications within 24 hours of reception.
Maternity care is selected in consultation with the pregnant women and managed in a way that takes into account the particular risks and needs of the individual pregnant woman including her cultural and ethnic values.
Where practicable, there is continuity of obstetric and/or midwife staff providing care before, during and after birth.
An individual health care plan is developed and incorporated into the woman’s health care management and sentence management plan. The Pregnancy Care Plan is located in the Pregnancy Healthcare Pathway. Prison Health Services ensure the pregnant woman receives the care required.
Should an eligible woman apply for admission to have her child reside with her in prison or use the feeding and bonding facility, this must be noted on the plan. The plan must also note the woman’s intention regarding breastfeeding. All plans must be documented and made available to all parties involved, including the woman.
Women assessed as being at risk of, or having, postnatal depression are monitored by staff and given appropriate support and counselling.
Pregnant women on a recognised substance abuse maintenance / withdrawal programme are continued on that programme without interruption, under the direction of the medical officer.
A sterile pack for the emergency delivery of a child, which includes instructions on use, is available in the health centre.
Each facility has access to external health providers with skills and experience in early childhood care.
Arrangements are in place for women to have access to health services for emergency and specialist treatment and care (Prison Health Services provide only primary health care to people in prison and not emergency and specialist treatment and care).
