In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the disparities in maternal health, particularly concerning Black women. Despite advances in medical care, Black women are two to three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.
Research shows that both physicians and non-physician healthcare workers displayed higher levels of implicit prejudice towards Black Americans and Arab-Muslim Americans compared to the general population. Additionally, female patients and people of color are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed.
“Among the most striking findings of the study was the prevalence of mistreatment, but the one that was the highest was people feeling ignored or like they didn’t have their requests kind of fulfilled”. It’s disheartening to think that individuals might be ignored when making requests, a sentiment echoed in both anecdotal evidence and research,” Damien Croft, MD, MPH, US Regional Director of Medical Affairs for Maternal Health at Organon, says. “This points to a threefold delay in accessing care. Women may feel unwanted or unheard, leading to delays in seeking medical attention.”
This kind of mistreatment can cause women to become reluctant to seek care, which can have serious consequences like delays in diagnosis and treatment, especially when it comes to pregnancy-related complications.
Croft uses Serena Williams’ experience as an example of the consequences of delayed care and mistreatment in healthcare.
“Despite her status, she faced delays and disregard from healthcare providers, highlighting a systemic issue. These delays can have dire consequences, especially for minority women, contributing significantly to adverse maternal outcomes,” Dr. Croft adds.
Another critical issue is the disparities in postpartum mortality.
RELATED: 5 Organizations Working To Improve The Health Of Black Mothers
“Serena Williams’ story serves as a poignant example of the need for self-advocacy. However, it also sheds light on the often overlooked and underappreciated postpartum period,” Dr. Croft notes.
You May Also Like
In fact, recent CDC studies have shown that a significant number of maternal deaths occur postpartum, with many happening beyond the traditional six-week postpartum period.
“This emphasizes the importance of not only focusing on pregnancy but also on the period following childbirth, up to a year out. Understanding and addressing the challenges faced by women during this time is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes,” Dr. Croft shares.
To avoid dire circumstances postpartum, Dr. Croft encourages more women to become “ very aware of your postpartum body, listen to your body, recognize potential warning signs, and seek help when needed, even if symptoms seem common or expected after childbirth.”
“While some symptoms like shortness of breath, swollen legs, rapid heart rate, and fatigue are common after delivery, it’s essential to know what’s normal for you. This awareness should extend from pregnancy into the postpartum period,” he shares. “For Black women, there are specific risks postpartum that often go unnoticed, such as cardiac issues. Conditions like cardiomyopathy, which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood, can present with symptoms that might seem normal postpartum but actually require immediate medical attention.”
Monitoring your blood pressure is also important as Black women are also at higher risk of conditions like preeclampsia, which can have severe consequences.
“The tragic case of Tori Bowie, the track star, who passed away, possibly due to complications from preeclampsia, underscores the importance of recognizing symptoms like headaches and visual changes,” Dr.Croft adds.
If you notice concerning symptoms and feel like your needs aren’t being met, Dr. Croft warns against accepting the “status quo”.
“It’s perfectly acceptable to come to your appointments armed with questions and to speak up if something isn’t clear,” Dr. Croft says.
Having your partner or loved one attend your appointments with you can also be beneficial.
“Pregnancy, in particular, comes with a deluge of information, and it’s challenging to absorb everything discussed during a visit. Having someone accompany you can be immensely helpful. They can remind you of details discussed, offer their perspective on the information provided, and even advocate on your behalf. I believe this is why the concept of doula care has gained traction, as having an advocate by your side, whether it’s a doula, a friend, or a family member, can be invaluable. This person serves as a sounding board, an additional set of ears, and a strong advocate for your health, all of which are critical components of receiving comprehensive and effective care,” Dr. Croft adds.
If you are supporting someone on their pregnancy journey, educating yourself about the disparities impacting women of color can also be incredibly valuable.
“Searching online for terms like “maternal mortality and morbidity” can provide a wealth of information, although it’s important to critically evaluate the sources. Additionally, community organizations play a vital role in education and outreach. These organizations often host events where community members, including those with personal experiences, share insights and highlight areas needing improvement. Engaging with these organizations can be a meaningful way to become a more informed advocate and support system,” Dr. Croft says.
Tips for Monitoring Your Postpartum Health
1. Address concerning symptoms early on.
“Postpartum care, though often overlooked, is arguably more critical. It’s a pivotal decision point. Firstly, it’s about returning to or even surpassing one’s baseline health. Issues during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, can have lasting effects like cardiovascular disease or diabetes post-pregnancy. It’s crucial to address these factors early on,” Dr. Croft advises.
2. Plan for contraception and future pregnancies.
“Postpartum care involves planning for contraception or preparing for a subsequent pregnancy. Both aspects are significant. Ensuring adequate spacing between pregnancies is crucial for maternal health, ideally waiting six to eight months or at least a year between pregnancies. This period is also an opportunity to optimize health for future pregnancies, addressing any lingering health issues or preparing for necessary procedures. It’s unfortunate when individuals disappear from care post-delivery only to return pregnant, possibly with unaddressed health issues that could have been managed earlier,” Dr. Croft adds.
3. Explore your options.
“Regarding healthcare options, there’s now greater awareness of alternatives to traditional hospital settings. While hospitals with a variety of providers play an important role, other options like midwifery care outside of hospitals or hospital-based care with a doula are becoming more recognized. Choosing the best option involves balancing risks and benefits. For instance, high-risk pregnancies might require hospital-based care with a doula, whereas those with no current risks could consider home birth with a skilled attendant. It’s about evaluating what’s safest and most comfortable for you, considering proximity to hospitals and preparedness for potential complications. Women should explore and understand all available options to make informed decisions about their care,” Dr. Croft suggests.
