Black Maternal Health: Why It Matters
Black women at higher risk of pregnancy-related deaths
Black women at higher risk of pregnancy-related deaths
Most pregnancy-related deaths can be prevented – that’s a fact. But they still happen too often, especially among Black women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, most notably access to good health care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related problems compared to White women.
They also face higher rates of conditions like preterm birth and gestational diabetes.
These risks are made worse by chronic health conditions that are more common in some Black communities due to health disparities and limited access to care.
“Black women are more likely to have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease when they become pregnant than White women,” says Ronald Salzetti, MD, an OB-GYN at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo and Scripps Clinic Rancho San Diego. “Both of these conditions can raise the risk of dangerous pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, a severe rise in blood pressure that can lead to life-threatening seizures.”
Scripps is committed to reducing health disparities through culturally competent care for patients from all backgrounds. This includes perinatology services for high-risk pregnancies.
What are health risk factors?
Health risk factors are conditions or behaviors that raise the chance of getting a disease. In maternal health, some risk factors are more common or serious for Black women, leading to higher rates of complications and even death.
Hypertension, diabetes and obesity are major concerns. These health issues require careful monitoring and special care during pregnancy to reduce risks. Early screening for these conditions, along with good nutrition and regular exercise, can greatly lower the chances of complications.
Dr. Salzetti emphasizes the need to be alert and to take charge of your health. “It’s especially important for women to speak up if they have a concern or problem and keep speaking up until you have an answer. You know your body better than anyone else and you deserve the best possible care.”
Root causes
Many factors worsen the gaps in maternal health outcomes, especially social and economic issues, access to good health care and barriers like racial bias.
Many Black families face economic struggles, making it hard to get healthy food, safe housing and quality health care, which are important for a healthy pregnancy.
Black women often lack health insurance or have insufficient coverage. This prevents them from receiving the prenatal and postpartum care they need and can result in untreated chronic conditions, which can complicate pregnancy.
Improving maternal health
Growing awareness of the maternal health crisis has led to increased efforts to address them.
In 2018, Congress passed a law that provides funding to states to support maternal mortality review committees. These committees include representatives from public health, obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine and community-based groups. They meet at the state and local level to review pregnancy-related deaths. Their goal is to find ways to prevent these deaths.
The CDC’s Hear Her campaign is a related resource that helps prevent pregnancy-related deaths by sharing life-saving tips and urgent warnings to raise awareness.
Community organizations also play a significant role supporting Black women before and after pregnancy, raising awareness, providing resources and advocating for policy changes.
Black Maternal Health Week in April promotes better care and awareness for Black women. Groups like the Black Mamas Matter Alliance lead these efforts.
Reducing the risk
To lower the risk of serious problems, pregnant women should have regular checkups, eat a healthy diet and do safe exercises.
Good nutrition is especially important. A balanced diet with vitamins and low in processed foods can help control weight and blood sugar and lower the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Exercise designed for pregnancy can also boost heart health and reduce stress.
Support for mental health is important too. Stress, depression and anxiety can harm a mother’s health. A supportive health care environment helps women feel comfortable asking for help with any concerns.
Don’t delay care
Immediate access to care when experiencing unusual symptoms is critical in preventing maternal problems.
If something doesn’t feel right at any point in your pregnancy, call your health care provider. Don’t write it off or wait until your next appointment.
Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Severe headache
- Dizziness or fainting
- Extreme swelling of hands or face
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or fast beating heart
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
- Baby’s movement stopping or slowing during pregnancy
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Vision changes
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Severe pain in your belly
- Severe swelling, redness or pain in your leg or arm
- Overwhelming tiredness
Postpartum care
Black women are more likely to experience heavy bleeding after giving birth. This condition, called postpartum hemorrhage, is a serious medical emergency that can lead to dangerous blood loss.
Emotional support is just as critical. Postpartum depression affects about 10 to 20% of women after giving birth. Fewer Black women, only 4%, seek help, compared to 8% of White women. Overall, the percentage of women seeking help remains low.
Many Black women face barriers to diagnosis and treatment, including stigma, bias and limited access to mental health care. These challenges can delay or prevent care, putting both mother and baby at risk. Addressing these needs is essential for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
If you or someone you know is struggling physically or emotionally after childbirth, talk to a health care provider. Early support and treatment can make a lasting difference. You don’t have to go through it alone.