ABSTRACT
In the United Kingdom, asylum seeking and refugee (AS&R) women face overwhelming obstacles to their health and well-being. Many have been through traumatic events and experiences, and exile and loss (both cultural and material) will add to their suffering when they are here. The refugee experience in the United Kingdom is not a comfortable one. These women face bigotry, ignorance, disinterest, hostility and poverty. Pregnancy and childbirth represent a dangerous time for these individuals, who can be particularly vulnerable. In order to provide the support and care that a refugee woman needs, the midwife and healthcare professional must understand who she is, what she has been through and the challenges that she faces when bearing a child in her country of exile.
