No room at the inn: pregnancy and overcrowding

The effects of poor housing conditions such as overcrowding cause pregnant women stress and are associated with adverse outcomes for the mother and risks to the child which may be long term for the child. The legal definition of overcrowding in England is complex. It dates from 1934 and needs modernising to take account of current standards and expectations. Approximately 3% of the population live in overcrowded conditions, with higher rates in rented accommodation and in London. Midwives' public health remit means that they need to be aware of housing needs among their clients and to seek solutions. Specialist midwives focusing on public health may be one solution to a challenging problem. The Family Nurse Partnership scheme and innovative public health assessment tools may also have a part to play in improving outcomes. So too will awareness of the organisations throughout the U.K. that assist people in housing need and campaign for better housing. Overall, it is a Government responsibility to ensure that as far as possible the needs of vulnerable families are met in all areas of the U.K.