Maternal Health
Despite advances in medical technology and improvements in overall maternal healthcare, black women in the United States continue to face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. The United States ranks last among similar wealthy countries in maternal health.
Causes
The reasons behind this disparity are complex and multifaceted. Structural racism, socioeconomic inequalities, underlying chronic conditions, and systemic biases within the healthcare system all contribute. Studies have shown that Black women are less likely to receive timely prenatal care, face higher rates of chronic health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and are more likely to receive a lower standard of quality medical care. New York has a rate of 26.1 maternal deaths per 100,000 births. As a reference, California ranks top at 9.7 and Mississippi is highest with 82.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 births.
It involves system wide changes. dismantling systemic racism within healthcare institutions, improving access to quality prenatal and postnatal care for black women, and addressing the underlying social determinants of health that contribute to poor maternal outcomes.
Signs To Contact Your Doctor
During pregnancy, reach out to your healthcare provider and speak to them if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Headache that doesn’t improve
- Dizziness/Fainting
- Vision changes
- Fever
- Extreme hand or face swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Baby movement stops or slows significantly
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- Thoughts of self harm or harm to baby
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge after pregnancy (excessive)
- Severe leg or arm swelling, redness or pain
- Extreme fatigue
Tips for Healthy Pregnancy
It’s important that every mother has equal opportunities and resources available to allow for a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Our clinic has created two free resources for women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period that are available to download at the following link. These e-books contain useful information about pregnancy including tips, exercise, nutrition, and sleep guides. Please reach out to us if you have any questions 212-233-9494.
