Statistics Can Be Scary
As preconception is the beginning of maternity care, three Black obstetricians and gynecologists sat down with ESSENCE to discuss the information they would like you to know before beginning your journey through pregnancy.
When one considers the fact that “more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States are preventable” and that “Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women,” the figures can be frightening for women of African descent. However, being aware of and recognizing the warning symptoms, as well as adopting preventative steps, might potentially save your life. In this article, Drs. Cooper, Ejiogu, and Odunsi offer some useful advice on how to get your body ready for pregnancy.
Chidera C. Ejiogu, MD: Make Your Mind & Body The Best Vehicle Possible
Dr. Chidera C. Ejiogu, a distinguished obstetrician practicing in Houston, offers a holistic approach to pregnancy preparation that transcends traditional medical advice. Her philosophy, shared through the Women’s Centers at UTHealth Houston and UT Physicians, emphasizes the profound importance of comprehensive self-preparation before conception. Preparing for pregnancy is not merely a medical checklist but a transformative holistic wellness journey. Dr. Ejiogu advocates for a multifaceted approach that prioritizes physical and mental health, viewing the human body as an intricate, interconnected system that requires careful nurturing and preparation.
Nutritional optimization stands at the forefront of her recommendations. This goes beyond simple dietary adjustments, encompassing a strategic approach to nutrient intake, potential supplementation, and understanding individual metabolic needs. Crucial nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D become critical components in building a strong foundation for pregnancy. The concept of making your body the “best vehicle possible” is a powerful metaphor that underscores the proactive approach to reproductive health. It suggests that pregnancy preparation is an intentional, mindful process of optimization – treating your body as a sophisticated, carefully maintained vessel capable of nurturing new life.
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Dr. Ejiogu’s guidance for individuals considering pregnancy represents a compassionate, comprehensive approach that recognizes the complexity of human reproduction. Her philosophy extends beyond medical protocols, embracing a holistic view of wellness that prepares individuals physically, emotionally, and mentally for the transformative journey of parenthood. By focusing on comprehensive self-care, prospective parents can create the most supportive internal environment possible, setting the stage for a healthy, positive pregnancy experience.
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Joy A. Cooper, MD MSC: Begin With The End In Mind
Joy A. Cooper, MD MSC, calls herself “The Olivia Pope of OB-GYN.” In addition to her medical practice, Oakland-based OB-GYN, Cooper is the CEO and co-founder of Culture Care, “a telemedicine startup company that connects Black women with Black doctors.”
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Dr. Cooper recommended that “I say begin with the end in mind to maximize having a beautiful, intentional pregnancy,” and it was Dr. Ejiogu’s remarks regarding mental health that were included in this advice. It is common for us to have a good understanding of our outward appearance, such as our bathroom routine or our skincare routine. But are you familiar with your HDL? What are your most recent pap smear findings, and when are you scheduled to have your next one? What is your HbA1c? Where does your blood pressure fall? Discovering your inner glow, as well as the flow and rhythm of your blood labs and screening tests, can be accomplished through this method.
Learn about your mental health state to achieve a more radiant inner glow. If you are experiencing excessive stress or depression, you must seek the assistance of a therapist or another expert as soon as possible. This will allow you to enter pregnancy as the best version of yourself and offer yourself the best chance of overcoming postpartum depression. Inquire with your providers about how you can enhance the outcomes. You must select a winning squad. Patients of African descent typically fare better when they are treated by care teams comprised of Black Americans. Put together yours right away.
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Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH: Understand Unique Risks
Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has worked in various places around the United States, including Washington, Georgia, Florida, and Illinois, where she is currently working. The extensive range of professional experiences that she has had has provided her with a sense of what obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) care may and should look like for patients. She is strongly committed to ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, fostering trustworthy relationships between patients and providers, and enhancing procedures that facilitate continuity of treatment.
Dr. Odunsi stressed the importance of this inequality, stating that it exists regardless of circumstances such as income and level of education. The first step in preventing these outcomes is knowing the hazards before becoming pregnant.
“Take action to address risk factors,” Dr. Odunsi warns. The problems that are associated with heart disease, such as high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, are the main cause of death among women of African descent. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly before, during, and after your pregnancy. If you experience symptoms, you might even want to take a blood pressure monitor to your house.
Dr. Odunsi values mental and physical health. Specifically, she encourages women of African descent to “establish a relationship with a therapist or spiritual leader.” Low-impact exercises, such as walking and yoga, are also acceptable. Taking a birthing class to inform yourself about what to anticipate during labor and delivery is another way to help ease some of the stress that you may be experiencing.
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Maternity Care Also Does Not End With Birth
The journey of motherhood extends far beyond the moment of delivery, a critical fact often overlooked in contemporary healthcare practices. Dr. Odunsi emphatically highlights that “the postpartum period is a critical time that is often overlooked” – a statement that underscores the profound vulnerability mothers experience in the weeks and months following childbirth. Staggering medical research reveals that up to forty-five percent of maternal deaths occur during the postpartum period, a timeframe when new mothers are typically disconnected from consistent medical support and professional monitoring. This statistic is not just a number but a sobering reminder of the significant health risks that persist after childbirth.
Mental health is a crucial component of postpartum care that demands immediate and compassionate attention. Symptoms such as persistent feelings of hopelessness, a marked loss of interest in daily activities, or a perceived emotional disconnect from one’s newborn could signal serious conditions like postpartum depression or anxiety. These experiences are not signs of weakness but legitimate medical concerns that require professional intervention and support. Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of open, honest communication during this vulnerable period. New mothers are encouraged to candidly discuss their physical and emotional experiences with their healthcare providers, creating a supportive environment prioritizing comprehensive maternal wellness.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Cooper offers a message of hope and joy. “Think of the bundle or bundles of joy that are on the other end of all this manifesting,” he reminds us. Indeed, while the postpartum journey can be complex and challenging, it is also a time of profound transformation and potential happiness. The key is comprehensive, compassionate care that extends well beyond the delivery room – recognizing that maternal health is a holistic experience encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions.
