[NEWS] Homelessness during pregnancy presents many challenges — from access to care to complication risks

From PhillyVoice:

"Homelessness is at record highs across the country and has been rising in Philadelphia. Pregnancy and homelessness is also increasing nationwide.

A 2023 study found that the number of pregnant women who were unhoused jumped 72% between 2016 and 2020. Out of more than 18 million hospital deliveries during that period, nearly 19,000 involved people without a home.

That data only accounts for unhoused women giving birth in hospital settings. An untold number gave birth on the street.

It's hard to get accurate statistics for how many pregnant women are experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. The city's health department does not track the number of people giving birth outside of health care settings or controlled environments – essentially on the street, though the number is low, a city spokesperson said in an email.

A 2003 study that used data from birth records and public shelter use found that, out of nearly 44,500 women, 11.4% had a "documented homeless episode" in the three years before giving birth or the four years following a birth. Black women of childbearing age were far more likely than white, Hispanic or Asian women to experience homelessness, the study found."