blood clotting. Treatment for APS drastically increases the chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
2. Chronic Health Conditions
Research and statistics show that thyroid conditions like Graves’ disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity are more prevalent in the Black community.
Thyroid disease—hyper- and hypothyroidism–and uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity are health conditions, that if not properly controlled or treated, could lead to pregnancy loss. Blood tests are generally used to diagnose diabetes and thyroid conditions.
A BMI calculator can be used to determine obesity and assess one’s risk of becoming overweight. Lifestyle and diet changes sometimes coupled with prescribed medication can typically correct these conditions and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
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RELATED: Bacterial Vaginosis: What Causes It (And How To Deal With It)
3. Bacterial Infection (BV)
Black women have the highest rates of bacterial vaginosis than any other group of women. Because pregnancy does not provide a shield of immunity against STDs and other viral and bacterial infections, pregnant women diagnosed with BV are at risk of pregnancy loss.
Under some conditions, bacterial infections can cause the lining of the uterus to become inflamed making it difficult for a baby to develop.
BV is commonly treated with antibiotics. Some practitioners believe that topically applying yogurt to the vagina is an alternative treatment option that helps to naturally balance harmful bacteria found in the vagina.
Andrea S. Moore is a native San Franciscan, public health social worker and freelance writer whose work can be seen on Huffington Post, The Guardian, JETmag.com and Clutch Magazine to name a few. Follow her on her blog at www.be-quoted.com and on Twitter @bequotedbyasm.
