Black History Month- Maternal Mortality

It's Black history month and I want to continue the conversation on the subject of mortality rates in Black/African American women from pregnancy to childbirth. Statistically Black women in the United States experience incredibly poor maternal health outcomes, particularly they have disproportionately high rates of death related to pregnancy and childbirth.

The Take Away:

1. Due to past medical transgressions against Black people -see Tuskegee. There is a general mistrust of the medical system and Black patients are subsequently less inclined to speak up when in of medical attention.

2. There are prevailing misconceptions in the healthcare industry that Black people have a higher pain threshold than everybody else. Besides this being simply untrue, what it does is reinforce insufficient care for Black patients.

3. Black women are more likely to be uninsured furthermore in the U.S healthcare system, health insurance plays a huge factor in receiving medical care.

If/when possible have a medical advocate that will speak up for you when you can't. Additionally- include this on your birth plan, speak to your midwife and OB about your concerns during your prenatal visits. If you feel like the standard of care you are receiving is deficient, don't be afraid to switch doctors!

Also check out the 9 organizations working to save Black mothers.

Source: cdc.gov

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