ACOG has approved the endorsement of the white paper Pregnancy and Postpartum Care in Correctional Settings by Carloyn Sufrin, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the department of gynecology and obstetrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The paper is now ACOG official clinical guidance.

This important new resource examines pregnancies of incarcerated women and sets forth guidelines to help ensure healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes. Dr. Sufrin explains that inmate pregnancies are often high risk due to poor nutrition, limited access to prenatal care, domestic violence, mental illness, and drug and alcohol dependence. Her recommendations include optimizing maternal health, providing prenatal care, addressing pregnant women’s symptoms in a timely manner, and referral to a specialist when indicated.

Click here to read the full white paper and here to view the endorsement.