Delivering care for women seeking refuge.

Abstract

Maternity services in many parts of the UK are providing care for asylum-seekers. These women are among the most vulnerable and socially excluded in our care, and in many instances they have fled from horrific circumstances to reach this country. In addition to the trauma and psychological effects of their experiences, many also have complex physical health needs. Women seeking asylum in the U.K. often begin to receive support late in their pregnancy and may have had no previous antenatal care. The problems they may face include poor general health, anaemia, high parity, closely-spaced pregnancies, HIV, hepatitis B and female genital mutilation.