As we observe Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), we're highlighting a crisis that affects too many families: Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, with 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 19.1 for white women.
In today's volume, we'll be exploring the root causes behind these disparities, sharing critical warning signs every pregnant person should know, and highlighting ways we can be better advocates to protect Black maternal health.
Make it a great week!
Featured Resources 🙌🏾
Mindful Moment 😌
Pause, follow the guide below, and observe 3-5 DEEP breaths. Pay attention to the contact your body is making with the surface beneath you, really feeling its support.
Mindful Movement 🙆🏾♂️
This week's practice helps improve flexibility by gently stretching and lengthening muscles, increasing range of motion, and reducing stiffness. Try it 2-3 times this week and notice how you feel after each time!
Mindful Reflection ✍🏾
How can I create more space for mental clarity and focus in my day-to-day life?
Share your responses with us on Threads, and be sure to #balanceperiod
Affirmation 🗣️
Say this to yourself silently or out loud:
"I give myself permission to pause and clear my mind, allowing clarity and focus to guide my decisions."
Upcoming Health/Wellness Events 🗓️
Harm Reduction Kit Making at Step-Up Inc.
Are you interested in learning how to create harm-reduction kits? This in-person event will provide all the materials and guidance you need to create these essential kits.
- Wednesday, April 23rd, 4:00 - 7:00 PM EDT
- Step-Up, Inc (4755 Kingsway Drive # 300 Indianapolis, IN 46205)
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Sickle Cell Trait: Know Your Status
There are 100,000 people affected by sickle cell trait in the US. Many of them are African American. You can help by educating yourself, your family, and your neighbors.
- Wednesday, April 23rd, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM EDT
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Beloved Community Outreach Center (3932 North Illinois Street Indianapolis, IN 46208)
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The Black Maternal Health Crisis: Becoming Advocates for Black Mothers 🤰🏾
Every mother deserves the chance to safely bring new life into the world and watch their child grow. Yet for Black women in America, pregnancy and childbirth carry risks that are shockingly higher than for other groups. Let's talk about this important issue, what's causing it, and what we can do about it.
The Troubling Reality
- Black women are about three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women
- For every 100,000 live births, about 55.3 Black women die compared to 19.1 white women
- About 60% of all pregnancy-related deaths are preventable
- These disparities exist regardless of education or income level
Why This Is Happening
The reasons behind this crisis are complex and deeply rooted:
- Access to quality healthcare: Many Black women face barriers to receiving proper prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care
- Chronic conditions: Higher rates of conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease increase risks during pregnancy
- Implicit bias: Studies show that healthcare providers sometimes dismiss or minimize concerns raised by Black women
- Structural racism: Historical policies and practices have created systems that provide unequal care
- Social determinants: Factors like housing, transportation, stress, and economic stability all impact maternal health
When Risks Are Highest
Pregnancy-related deaths can happen during pregnancy, at delivery, or up to a year postpartum. According to the CDC, about:
- 31% of deaths occur during pregnancy
- 36% happen during delivery or the week after
- 33% occur 1 week to 1 year after delivery
This tells us that care must extend well beyond just the birth itself.
Signs Everyone Should Know
Recognizing warning signs can save lives. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms during or after pregnancy, seek medical help immediately:
- Severe headache that won't go away or gets worse
- Dizziness or fainting
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
- Changes in your vision
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Extreme swelling of your hands or face
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or fast-beating heart
- Severe nausea and throwing up
- Severe belly pain that doesn't go away
- Baby's movement stopping or slowing significantly
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- Heavy bleeding or discharge after pregnancy
Working Toward Solutions
There's growing recognition of this crisis, and many efforts are underway to address it:
- The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes legislation to improve maternal health outcomes
- Hospitals are implementing safety bundles and protocols to standardize care
- Doula and midwifery services are expanding in underserved communities
- Training programs for healthcare providers now often include implicit bias education
- Community-based organizations are creating support networks for Black mothers
What You Can Do
We all have a role to play in addressing this crisis:
- Learn about the warning signs of pregnancy complications
- Support organizations working on Black maternal health
- Advocate for policies that improve access to quality maternal care
- Amplify the voices and stories of Black mothers
- Share information about this issue with friends and family
Every mother deserves the chance to safely bring new life into the world. By understanding this issue and working together for change, we can help ensure that Black mothers receive the care and support they need to thrive.
Sources: CDC Maternal Mortality data, Black Maternal Health Caucus
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