Childbirth Support for Pregnancy in Incarceration
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The number of women who are incarcerated in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the past 20 years-over 750%, or from 13,258 in 1980 to 111,616 in 2016. Arkansas incarcerates 92 women per 100,000 population compared to 57 per 100,000 average across all states, ranking the state as the 8th highest in the nation. Over 75% of incarcerated women are of childbearing age and about 4% are pregnant upon intake. However, little is known about the population of women who have become incarcerated while pregnant in Arkansas - including the outcomes of these women and their children and how these outcomes may vary in relation to services that are received during incarceration. This research study aims to first expand knowledge on incarcerated women in Arkansas by using administrative data to retrospectively examine the health status and outcomes of pregnant women who were incarcerated in state prison by Arkansas from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2019 (a five-year cohort; Aim 1). Then, we will lay the groundwork for and subsequently analyze data on outcomes and perspectives of women who have been incarcerated in Arkansas while pregnant (Aims 2 and 3). We will also seek to understand the feasibility and acceptability of elements of an enhanced support program for incarcerated pregnant women recently launched via a collaboration between Arkansas Department of Corrections and UAMS.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
Is childbirth support safe for pregnant women in incarceration?
How does the childbirth support treatment for pregnant incarcerated women differ from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it provides continuous labor support through trained doulas and peer support, which is not typically available to incarcerated pregnant women. It focuses on offering emotional and educational support, helping women prepare for childbirth and postpartum, and promoting a family-centered care approach, which is often lacking in prison settings.12356
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Childbirth support for pregnant incarcerated women?
Research shows that providing doula (trained birth companion) support to pregnant women in jail leads to high satisfaction among both the women and the staff involved. Interviews with women who received this support indicated unanimous approval, suggesting that such services are beneficial and should be expanded.12347
Who Is on the Research Team?
Melissa Zielinski, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Arkansas
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women over 18 who are currently incarcerated in Arkansas state prisons, either pregnant or have given birth within the past year. They must be able to give informed consent. Women under 18 years of age cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Data Collection and Analysis
Retrospective examination of health status and outcomes of pregnant women incarcerated from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2019, and analysis of outcomes and perspectives of women incarcerated while pregnant
Intervention
Eligible women receive childbirth support elements such as prenatal education, support groups, lactation programs, doula support, and parenting classes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for outcomes such as childbirth complications, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, social support, parental sense of competence, PTSD symptoms, parental stress, and drug use
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Childbirth support
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Arkansas
Lead Sponsor