Pregnant Women in English Prisons Face Alarming Risk of Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancy in prison is already a high-risk situation, but new data reveals an even more troubling reality: pregnant women in English jails are three times more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those outside.

Figures obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests show that 12% of incarcerated pregnant women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes in 2023, compared to the national average of 4%. Experts say this highlights severe health risks for expectant mothers behind bars.

The Hidden Dangers of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin during pregnancy, leading to high blood sugar levels. If not properly managed, it can cause:

• Complications during pregnancy and birth, including high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia

• Higher risk of stillbirth or premature birth

• Increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life

Dr. Laura Abbott, associate professor of midwifery at Hertfordshire University, called the figures “alarming but not surprising.”

"We have known for many years that preterm birth is more common among incarcerated pregnant women, and this further highlights the severe health risks they face," she said. "Gestational diabetes requires early detection, good nutrition, and careful medical management—things that are extremely difficult to achieve in a prison setting."

Pregnancy in Prison: A High-Risk Environment

Between April 2023 and March 2024, 215 women were pregnant in English prisons, with 52 giving birth while in custody—98% of them in hospitals.

The NHS and Prison Ombudsman classify all pregnancies in prison as high-risk, yet access to essential care remains inconsistent.

Pregnant prisoners are:

• Seven times more likely to suffer a stillbirth

• Twice as likely to go into premature labor

• More likely to experience miscarriage, untreated high blood pressure, and malnutrition

  
  

These risks were tragically highlighted by the death of newborn Aisha Cleary at HMP Bronzefield in 2019 and the stillbirth of a baby at HMP Styal in 2020—both cases where urgent medical help was not provided in time.

“It Was a Privilege to Get Any Fruit” – Amelia’s Story

For Amelia (not her real name), being diagnosed with gestational diabetes in prison was just the start of her ordeal.

At 16 weeks pregnant, she was advised by a prison midwife to follow a specific meal plan to manage her condition. However, the prison refused to implement it and denied her additional supplements and prescriptions.

"I remember being given raspberries that had blue fur on them," she said. "When I complained to the officer, I was told that it was a privilege to get any fruit at all."

Despite the serious risks of gestational diabetes, Amelia missed multiple midwifery appointments. She developed high blood pressure and sciatica, which went untreated.

"I have previously had a miscarriage, and this was my miracle pregnancy. I was terrified I would lose another baby," she said.

Her sentence was overturned during her pregnancy, and just one week after her release, she went into premature labor, requiring an emergency C-section. She believes the stress and lack of medical care in prison contributed to her baby being born too soon.

"Prison is so unhealthy—not just for mothers, but for the baby as well. I’m so grateful to be out, but the effects of being pregnant in prison will stay with me forever," she said.

Calls to End the Incarceration of Pregnant Women

In 2024, the Sentencing Council introduced pregnancy as a mitigating factor for judges to consider. The Women’s Justice Board has also been established to reduce the number of pregnant women being sent to prison.

However, campaigners say this doesn’t go far enough.

Clare Livingstone, policy adviser at the Royal College of Midwives, argues that there are safer alternatives, such as community sentencing.

"Prison is no place for pregnant women," she said. "The sentencing of pregnant women needs radical reform to ensure that mothers and babies can remain together in safer environments."

Janey Starling, co-director of feminist campaign group Level Up, agrees, pointing out that several countries, including Costa Rica and Brazil, have banned the imprisonment of pregnant women.

"It’s time the UK follows international best practices and ends the profoundly cruel practice of incarcerating pregnant women and mothers with babies," she said.

Government Response

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson responded to the concerns, saying:

"The Lord Chancellor has launched the Women’s Justice Board to ensure fewer women end up in prison, particularly those who are pregnant or mothers."

They also emphasised that there are now specialist midwives and pregnancy liaison officers in all women’s prisons, and that NHS England treats all pregnancies in prison as clinically high risk.

The Bottom Line

Pregnant women in prison are at significantly higher risk of health complications, including gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Yet, they continue to be denied the basic medical care and nutrition needed for a healthy pregnancy.

With growing pressure on the government to introduce legislation banning the imprisonment of pregnant women, campaigners argue that prison is never a safe place for an expectant mother—and it’s time for the system to change.