Emergency Maternity Housing for Pregnant Mothers in Need

Overseen By Vivian Crumlish, MEd

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Notre Dame

Disqualifiers: Not pregnant, Under 18, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: Up to 1 year

1048 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests emergency maternity housing to support pregnant women experiencing housing instability. Participants will either receive a bed in a maternity home with additional services or be referred to other community resources. The researchers aim to assess how these different supports affect participants' lives one year after their baby's due date. Pregnant women facing housing challenges might be a good fit for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance support systems for pregnant women in need.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that Emergency Maternity Housing is safe for pregnant women?

Research has shown that emergency maternity housing is being studied to assess its impact on pregnant women in need. This housing offers a stable living environment and support for pregnant women who might otherwise face challenges like homelessness. Although the study does not involve a new drug or medical procedure, considering the potential benefits and risks remains important.

Specific data from trials about side effects or adverse events is unavailable because this is not a medical treatment. The goal is to provide a safe living space. Previous studies on housing for pregnant women suggest that a stable home can improve overall health and well-being. Pregnant women in stable living conditions are more likely to receive regular healthcare and avoid complications.

In summary, emergency maternity housing lacks the typical risks associated with medical treatments. Instead, it aims to provide a supportive environment, which is generally considered safe and beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Emergency Maternity Housing trial because it offers a new approach to supporting pregnant mothers in need by providing a dedicated space and comprehensive services. Unlike standard options, which often involve referrals to various community resources, this treatment provides a stable, all-in-one solution with a maternity home bed and wrap-around services. This holistic approach aims to address the immediate housing needs of expectant mothers while also offering support services that can contribute to better health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

What evidence suggests that Emergency Maternity Housing could be effective for pregnant mothers in need?

Research has shown that stable housing can improve the health of pregnant women. This trial will compare two groups: one receiving a bed in the maternity home with wrap-around services, and a control group referred to other community services. Studies have found that women without homes are more likely to experience problems during pregnancy. Temporary shelters and stable housing can reduce stress and facilitate access to prenatal care. Programs like Healthy Beginnings at Home have demonstrated that rental assistance and housing support lead to better health outcomes for pregnant women. Overall, stable housing for expectant mothers is linked to healthier pregnancies and births. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Adrienne Sabety, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Notre Dame

Jessica Brown, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of South Carolina

William Evans, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Notre Dame

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for pregnant women over 18 facing housing instability. Eligibility varies by home: some allow other children, others don't; background checks are common but not always disqualifying. Women must be low-income due to the nature of their housing situation.

Inclusion Criteria

Each home may have slightly different eligibility criteria such as allowing other children to come with her into the home or requiring a background check

Woman must be experiencing housing instability

Woman must be pregnant

Exclusion Criteria

I am not pregnant.

Some homes exclude mothers who have other children currently in their care

I am a man.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Randomization and Intake

Eligible participants are randomized into treatment or control groups and intake procedures are completed

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants in the treatment group receive a bed in the maternity home and wrap-around services

Up to 1 year

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for outcomes such as life satisfaction, employment, and housing stability

1 year after approximate due date of baby

1 survey (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Emergency Maternity Housing

Trial Overview The trial tests the impact of providing maternity housing to homeless or insecurely housed pregnant women. Participants are randomly assigned to receive a place in maternity housing (treatment) or not (control), and surveyed about one year after their due date.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Maternity Home Bed Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Receives a bed in the maternity home, wrap-around services, etc.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Referred to other services available in the community

Emergency Maternity Housing is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Emergency Maternity Housing for:

• Housing for homeless pregnant women
• Support for pregnant women in crisis

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Notre Dame

Lead Sponsor

Trials

36

Recruited

60,000+

Maggie's Place, USA

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,000+

Bethlehem House

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,000+

In My Shoes

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,000+

Our Lady's Inn, USA

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,000+

Aid for Women

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study of 10 maternity waiting homes in Zambia over 12 months revealed significant variability in bed occupancy rates, ranging from 13% to 151%, indicating challenges in accurately planning the number of beds needed based on fluctuating demand.

Most sites had annual occupancy rates between 26-69%, suggesting that planners should use recent monthly birth data to better estimate capacity, especially during peak utilization periods, to ensure adequate support for pregnant women awaiting delivery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Planning for Maternity Waiting Home Bed Capacity: Lessons from Rural Zambia. Vian, T., Kaiser, JL., Ngoma, T., et al.[2022]

A maternity home program for homeless pregnant teens provided comprehensive care to 285 young women over six years, resulting in significant support such as prenatal care, education, and social services.

At discharge, 74% of the residents had achieved or were pursuing their educational or vocational goals, highlighting the program's effectiveness in improving outcomes for both the mothers and their newborns.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The maternity home for adolescents: a concept from the past fulfilling a contemporary need. Yordan, EE., Yordan, RA.[2022]

Stakeholders in rural Zambia overwhelmingly support maternity waiting homes (MWHs) as a solution to improve access to skilled childbirth care, addressing significant distance and transportation barriers.

MWHs are viewed as a feasible and sustainable intervention that could enhance maternal outcomes by increasing the use of skilled birth attendants, but it is essential to also improve local quality of care to maximize their effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developing a community driven sustainable model of maternity waiting homes for rural Zambia. Lori, JR., Munro-Kramer, ML., Mdluli, EA., et al.[2022]

Pregnant women who are homeless face significant risks for both maternal and fetal health outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted support.

Current social housing support for homeless pregnant women is inadequate, and improving collaboration among social and healthcare services, along with clearer definitions and legislation regarding homelessness, could enhance access to necessary resources during this critical time.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The homeless pregnant woman. Esen, UI.[2022]

The establishment of a transitional care ward at Peterborough Maternity Unit has enhanced the overall care for mothers and their babies, ensuring that infants needing extra attention receive timely support.

This new ward also fosters a supportive environment for mothers with babies in NICU, allowing them to connect and share experiences during a challenging time, suggesting that other maternity units should consider implementing similar facilities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transitional care for neonates. Simpson, D.[2004]

Maternity group homes (MGHs) significantly improve social support for pregnant women, with 54% of participants reporting better support during their stay compared to before, especially benefiting those with poor pre-MGH support.

A majority of women (77% to 82%) believe that MGH admission will enhance their current and future relationships, indicating that MGHs not only provide immediate support but also foster long-term relational benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maternity homes and social support: A cross-sectional survey stratifying outcomes. Buskmiller, C., Columbus, C., Gavard, JA.[2020]

Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) face significant challenges during crises, such as requiring women to be away from home and often lacking security and adequate space, which can hinder their use.

Some MWHs have successfully adapted to provide birthing and reproductive health care during conflicts, highlighting the need for flexible care systems that better meet women's needs in both stable and emergency situations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maternity waiting homes in times of crisis: Can current models meet women's needs? Wild, K., Kurji, J.[2021]

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of severe maternal morbidity and preventable mortality, making it crucial to implement a national maternity patient safety bundle to address this issue.

The safety bundle consists of four key domains—Readiness, Recognition and Prevention, Response, and Reporting and System Learning—designed to standardize critical clinical practices across maternity units, with flexibility for adaptation based on individual facility resources.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

National Partnership for Maternal Safety: Consensus Bundle on Obstetric Hemorrhage. Main, EK., Goffman, D., Scavone, BM., et al.[2022]

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of severe maternal morbidity and preventable mortality, making it crucial to implement a national maternity patient safety bundle to address this issue.

The safety bundle consists of four key domains—Readiness, Recognition and Prevention, Response, and Reporting and System Learning—designed to standardize critical clinical practices across maternity units, with flexibility for adaptation based on individual facility resources.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

National Partnership for Maternal Safety: consensus bundle on obstetric hemorrhage. Main, EK., Goffman, D., Scavone, BM., et al.[2021]

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of severe maternal morbidity and preventable mortality, making it crucial to implement a national maternity patient safety bundle to address this issue.

The safety bundle consists of four key domains—Readiness, Recognition and Prevention, Response, and Reporting and Systems Learning—designed to standardize critical clinical practices across maternity units, enhancing patient safety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

National Partnership for Maternal Safety Consensus Bundle on Obstetric Hemorrhage. Main, EK., Goffman, D., Scavone, BM., et al.[2016]

Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) in Malawi are effectively reaching vulnerable women, particularly those with a history of spontaneous abortions and from lower wealth quintiles, suggesting they are targeting at-risk populations.

The study indicates that MWHs could be a valuable strategy for reducing maternal mortality in low-income countries, as they provide essential support to women who may face barriers to accessing healthcare.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reaching vulnerable women through maternity waiting homes in Malawi. Singh, K., Speizer, I., Kim, ET., et al.[2018]

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277539524000591

Review Outcomes for women after leaving a shelter We conducted a scoping review to explore outcomes for women after leaving a shelter, as well as factors influencing post-shelter transitions.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10391303/

Trends, Characteristics, and Maternal Morbidity Associated ... This cross-sectional study assesses patient and pregnancy factors as well as delivery outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness ...

3. mchevidence.org mchevidence.org/documents/accelerators/Housing-Instability-Evidence-Accelerator.pdf

Housing Instability is one of twenty Maternal and Child ... Housing instability is operationalized as women who report being evicted, homeless, or lacking a place to sleep in the 12 months prior to delivering an infant; ...

4. bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-025-07994-2

Experience of pregnant women living in temporary shelters ... Data collection. Data were collected through in-depth, individual interviews with mothers living in tent and container cities who had ...

5. amchp.org amchp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Promising-Handout-Healthy-Beginnings-at-Home.pdf

MCH Innovations Database Healthy Beginnings at Home (HBAH) provides rental assistance, housing navigation, and case management for pregnant women experiencing housing instability to ...

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-housing-problems-4-2022-9d426

Emergency Maternity Housing for Pregnant Mothers in Need This N/A medical study run by University of Notre Dame is evaluating whether Emergency Maternity Housing will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for ...

7. ipromoteil.org ipromoteil.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Maternal-Morbidity-and-Mortality-and-Housing-PPT_12.09.21-1.pdf

The Intersection of Maternal Health and Housing Insecurity Among women ages 18-25 who experience homelessness, 44% are pregnant or parents8. • 1.1 million children in the United States have a youth parent who ...

8. hrsa.gov hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/advisory-committees/infant-mortality/meetings/advance-maternal-child-health-through-housing.pdf

Advance Maternal and Child Health through Housing Renter households. • Who do not receive housing assistance. • Who have incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median. Income (“very low-income”).