For many expectant mothers, home is a place where they prepare, rest and envision the life ahead. For women facing homelessness, that sense of stability can be out of reach. Pregnancy becomes intertwined with uncertainty and survival, and the effects on both mother and baby are significant. At Vita Nova Maternity Community, we see every day how housing plays a central role in maternal health.

Research on pregnant women experiencing homelessness shows higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight and other complications that can follow a child for years.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Perinatology found that women without stable housing had significantly higher odds of preterm delivery and inadequate prenatal care.

These challenges are not abstract. They show up in the stories of women who arrive at Vita Nova seeking safety and a path forward.

Stress that influences pregnancy health

Homelessness can take many forms. Staying temporarily with acquaintances, moving between crowded spaces or living in environments where safety cannot be guaranteed all create chronic stress. The CDC notes that persistent stress during pregnancy increases the likelihood of hypertension, premature delivery and developmental complications.

For former Vita Nova resident Katie, uncertainty was constant. She describes the moment everything changed when she suddenly had to find a place to stay while seven months pregnant.

“I was left with no money and no safe place to stay. I did not know what to do.”

When she learned about Vita Nova, the possibility of safety and stability became real for the first time in months.

Housing stability and prenatal care

Consistent prenatal care is one of the strongest predictors of a healthy pregnancy. For women without stable housing, appointments are difficult to maintain. Transportation challenges, sudden moves, lack of childcare for older children and the daily demands of survival often lead to missed visits. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that homeless women are far less likely to receive the prenatal and preventive care they need.

This is why Vita Nova’s structure matters. Reliable transportation, staff check-ins and a routine built around health help residents stay connected to essential medical care throughout pregnancy.

Nutrition, rest and physical well-being

Pregnancy requires consistent nourishment, hydration and rest. When a woman is without stable housing, these fundamental needs often go unmet. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that nutrition insecurity during pregnancy increases the risk of anemia, gestational diabetes and low birth weight.

Before arriving at Vita Nova, Katie moved between temporary spaces and struggled to eat regular meals or sleep reliably. After she became a resident, she gained access to nutritious food, her own room and a calm environment where she could recover physically and prepare emotionally for motherhood. Her daughter was ultimately born healthy, which Katie credits in part to the stability she gained during those critical final months.

Safety and vulnerability during pregnancy

Unstable housing increases the chances that a woman will encounter environments that are unsafe or unpredictable. Many residents tell us that the first night they spend at Vita Nova is the first night they have felt safe in a long time. A locked door, a peaceful room and the understanding that they will not be asked to leave suddenly become essential parts of healing.

Mental health and emotional support

Pregnant women facing homelessness often navigate depression, anxiety and trauma without consistent support. These challenges can intensify during pregnancy and continue after birth. In our postpartum care blog, we explored how limited supports leave mothers particularly vulnerable during the months following delivery.

Therapeutic support is integrated into Vita Nova’s weekly schedule. Residents receive help processing past trauma and developing the coping skills needed for early motherhood. These services help reduce the emotional burden that instability creates.

What stability makes possible

Katie’s experience shows what can happen when stability replaces crisis. She maintained sobriety, delivered a healthy baby girl and eventually moved into on-campus housing designed for alumnae of the program. Her progress reflects what research confirms. When pregnant women gain access to secure housing, nutritious meals, life-skills classes and a supportive community, outcomes improve. Vita Nova’s model brings these elements together.

• Nutrition support through Adam Thiel’s food program helps mothers eat well and learn practical cooking skills.

• Parenting programs like Circle of Security, led by case manager Fawn Horner, provide emotional tools that strengthen mother-child relationships.

• Peer support among residents fosters connection and confidence in a way that clinical care alone cannot.

A healthier path forward

Homelessness and pregnancy should never collide. When they do, communities like Vita Nova offer a path forward. With stable housing, nutritional support, childcare, skill-building classes and compassionate community, women can reduce stress, receive consistent prenatal care and prepare for the early months of motherhood with confidence.

Katie once faced pregnancy without a safe place to stay. Today she is raising her daughter in a healthy environment and building a life that once felt impossible.

Every woman deserves that opportunity. Learn how you can support our mission to help mothers and babies find safety and hope.