Pregnancy is often a journey filled with anticipation, excitement, and a touch of nervousness. But for many women, it can also come with unexpected challenges.
“My first daughter was born at 37 weeks and caught me completely by surprise. She was not due for another three weeks, but on an early Monday morning, I woke up realizing my water had broken and understood that something was amiss,” Zhenya Lindgardt, CEO of Sera Prognostics, a maternal health biotech firm that’s championing first-of-its-kind diagnostics to improve maternal health outcomes, tells BlackDoctor.org.
Unprepared and in shock, she and her husband decided to attend the birthing class they had scheduled that morning. However, once the instructor realized what was happening, she was immediately sent to the hospital, where she underwent an emergency C-section that night.
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Thankfully, the baby was relatively healthy, weighing six pounds. Though she required treatment for jaundice, supplemental formula for low glucose, and frequent blood tests, she avoided severe complications.
“We were very lucky,” Lindgart reflects. “I know now how many other women are not as fortunate.”
A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight
Many people in the U.S. believe that maternal mortality is a problem of the past. Unfortunately, the reality is far from reassuring.
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The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, with Black women facing disproportionately higher risks. Studies show that nearly 60 percent of Americans are unaware of the severity of the crisis, often underestimating racial disparities and the preventability of maternal deaths.
Alarmingly, over 80 percent of maternal deaths are preventable, highlighting the urgent need for better education and intervention strategies. This includes expanding access to maternal health screenings and tools like the PreTRM Test®, a blood test that helps assess a woman’s risk for preterm birth. By identifying risks early, healthcare providers can implement personalized interventions to improve outcomes.
“Knowledge is power, “Lindgardt adds. “If I had known more about preterm labor risks and testing options, I could have been better prepared.”
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Empowering Women with the Right Questions
To advocate for their health, Lindgardt encourages expectant mothers to ask their healthcare providers critical questions, such as:
- What is my risk for preterm birth? Understanding any personal or systemic risk factors that might lead to premature delivery is crucial. If risks are present, ask about steps to mitigate them.
- Can I take the PreTRM Test? Finding out if this test is appropriate for you could be a game-changer. Ask about how to access the test – or request it online – and discuss how the results might influence your pregnancy care plan.
- What targeted interventions are available if I’m at high risk? If test results or other indicators show a higher risk of preterm birth, inquire about the specific interventions or lifestyle adjustments that can be adopted to potentially extend the pregnancy and enhance the baby’s health outcomes.
- How can I stay informed about the signs of preterm labor? Understanding and promptly responding to the signs of preterm labor could make a significant difference. Ask for detailed guidance on what symptoms to watch for and when to seek immediate care.
- What steps can we take to ensure effective communication throughout my pregnancy? With data from prenatal assessments, ongoing dialogues can be more informed and focused. Consider discussing how you can best communicate your experiences and receive feedback throughout your pregnancy.
The Role of Technology in Closing Gaps in Maternal Healthcare
Advancements in maternal healthcare are making it easier for women to take control of their pregnancies. Tools like Sera Prognostics’ LikeMine™ use data from millions of pregnancies to offer personalized insights, helping women understand common outcomes such as gestational diabetes or C-sections.
“So much more information is available to moms today,” Lindgardt says. “If you can take a test and learn that you’re at low risk for preterm birth, that’s one less thing to worry about during this special time in your life.”
Telehealth and predictive analytics also play a crucial role in ensuring early detection of risks, better prenatal monitoring, and improved maternal outcomes—especially for marginalized communities.
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Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Health
Black women in the U.S. experience maternal mortality rates three to four times higher than white women. These disparities are largely preventable and can be addressed by:
- Expanding healthcare coverage, particularly in underserved areas.
- Implementing culturally competent healthcare training.
- Increasing access to technology-driven tools like the PreTRM Test and LikeMine™.
- Supporting policy efforts that prioritize maternal health equity.
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Taking Action for Maternal Health Awareness Day
As we commemorate Maternal Health Awareness Day, everyone—whether pregnant women, healthcare professionals, or community members—can contribute to improving maternal health outcomes. Simple yet impactful actions include:
- Advocating for better healthcare policies.
- Educating expectant mothers on their rights and options.
- Supporting organizations focused on maternal health equity.
- Spreading awareness through community engagement and social media.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Maternal Healthcare
The future of maternal healthcare is one of personalization, accessibility, and empowerment. With emerging technologies, expanded telehealth services, and increased focus on patient education, women will have greater control over their pregnancies.
“The decisions every pregnant mom makes that can make the pregnancy healthier will feel great when you give birth to a healthy baby,” Lindgardt concludes.
