New data highlights impact of housing instability on pregnancy and early life

New national data from the University of Leicester identifies the number of baby deaths to mothers living in unstable living conditions.  

The data, by the MBRRACE-UK team at the University has identified the number of babies who died before, during or shortly after birth in 2024 whose mothers were living in temporary accommodation or experiencing homelessness during pregnancy.

Their findings have been presented at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Temporary Accommodation and highlight a previously unseen aspect of the housing crisis and its impact on pregnancy, birth and early life.

In 2024, 91 babies born to mothers living in temporary accommodation or experiencing homelessness did not survive. This equates to almost two families bereaved every week. 

Until now, national datasets have not been able to identify which families experiencing stillbirth or neonatal death were also facing homelessness or housing instability.

Professor Lucy Smith, from the MBRRACE UK collaboration at the University of Leicester, said: “This data is an essential step towards understanding the number of lives affected by unstable living conditions and therefore a better idea of where support might need to be targeted to help our most vulnerable families.”

Temporary accommodation includes settings such as B&Bs, hostels, hotels and refuges. Families living in these circumstances often experience overcrowding, frequent moves, limited facilities and challenges accessing consistent healthcare.

Without specific data, the experiences of families facing both bereavement and homelessness remain hidden within broader statistics. By identifying these deaths for the first time, the findings provide a clearer understanding of the scale of loss and where support may be needed most.

Dr Ruth Matthews from the MBRRACE UK collaboration at the University of Leicester added: “The death of a baby is a devastating tragedy for families and communities. It is therefore deeply concerning that in 2024, 91 babies born to mothers living in temporary accommodation did not survive; a figure equivalent to almost two families bereaved every week – something that rapidly needs addressing if we are to save more young lives from being lost.” 

By making these losses visible, the analysis provides an important foundation for action across health, housing and social care. It also highlights the need for further research into how housing instability affects pregnancy and early life.

This includes understanding access to care, the impact of repeated moves during pregnancy, and opportunities for earlier support and intervention. The aim is to improve outcomes for mothers and babies, particularly those in the most vulnerable circumstances.