Childbirth Support for Pregnancy in Incarceration

Overseen By Melissa Zielinski, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Arkansas

Disqualifiers: Under 18 years

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the benefits of childbirth support for pregnant women incarcerated in Arkansas. It aims to understand their health outcomes and experiences by testing a support program that includes prenatal classes, support groups, and doula services. Women incarcerated in Arkansas who are pregnant or have given birth in the past year and can give informed consent are ideal candidates for this study. The goal is to gather insights that could improve services for pregnant women in prison. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance support services for these women.

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 this childbirth support program is safe for incarcerated pregnant women?

Research has shown that childbirth support programs for women in prison are generally safe and well-received. Studies have found that participants often feel more confident about parenting and supported by other inmates and prison staff. This indicates that the programs not only ensure safety but also enhance emotional well-being.

Doula birth support, included in some programs, has demonstrated positive results. Women report better experiences during delivery and greater satisfaction. These findings suggest that the support provided during childbirth is well-received and has minimal negative side effects. No evidence of significant negative events has been found, indicating the safety of these programs. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the childbirth support program for pregnant incarcerated women because it offers a comprehensive, individualized approach that current options often lack. Unlike standard prenatal care, which can be limited in correctional facilities, this program includes prenatal education, support groups, lactation programs, doula support, and parenting classes. These elements aim to address both physical and emotional needs, potentially leading to better outcomes for both mothers and their babies. By focusing on holistic support, this program hopes to improve childbirth experiences and foster healthier family dynamics, setting it apart from traditional care.

What evidence suggests that this childbirth support is effective for pregnant incarcerated women?

Research has shown that support programs for pregnant women in prison can lead to positive results. In this trial, participants will receive various childbirth support elements, such as doula support, prenatal education classes, and parenting classes, depending on their eligibility and choice. Studies have found that programs offering help from a doula, prenatal education, and parenting classes improve childbirth experiences and increase satisfaction. For example, having a doula during birth is linked to better experiences and outcomes. Women who receive this support often feel more prepared and less stressed. Overall, these programs aim to improve the health and well-being of both the mother and child during and after pregnancy. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

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

Pregnant or has given birth in past year

Women incarcerated in Arkansas state prison system

Able to give informed consent

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

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

5 years

Intervention

Eligible women receive childbirth support elements such as prenatal education, support groups, lactation programs, doula support, and parenting classes

Up to 12 months after delivery

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

Up to 12 months after delivery

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Childbirth support

Trial Overview The study aims to understand health outcomes for incarcerated pregnant/postpartum women and their children in Arkansas by examining historical data and evaluating a new childbirth support program's feasibility and acceptability.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Childbirth Support Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Women who enroll in the intervention portion of this study will receive the childbirth support elements for which they are eligible in and elect to participate. Possible program elements include prenatal education classes, support group, lactation program, doula support, and parenting classes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Arkansas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

500

Recruited

153,000+

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)

Collaborator

Trials

394

Recruited

404,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5536343/

Pregnancy and Parenting Support for Incarcerated Women A community–university–corrections partnership was formed to provide education and support to pregnant incarcerated women through a prison-based pilot program.

2. prisonpolicy.org prisonpolicy.org/blog/2025/05/07/2023_pregnancy_prison/

New data on pregnancy prevalence, outcomes, and ... In 2016, twice as many women (4%) admitted to prison each month were pregnant, according to the Pregnancy in Prison Statistics (PIPS) study.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12128387/

Maternal health and incarceration: advancing pregnancy ... This paper will review the state of the science on maternal health and incarceration. We will provide a historical context on women, pregnancy, and mothers.

4. bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-025-07900-w

A qualitative analysis of formerly incarcerated women's ... This study explored formerly incarcerated perinatal individuals' knowledge about, participation in, and perceptions of currently existing and ...

5. jaapl.org jaapl.org/content/early/2020/05/13/JAAPL.003924-20

The Realities of Pregnancy and Mothering While ... Doula birth support programs for incarcerated pregnant women have shown positive results in terms of delivery outcomes and satisfaction.

6. gao.gov gao.gov/products/gao-25-106404

Pregnant Women in State Prisons and Local Jails At the time of incarceration, 4% to 5% of women reported being pregnant. Comprehensive data on these women—including their race or ethnicity— ...