HealthWatch: Why Black Mothers Face Increased Risks in Pregnancy Complications and What You Should Know

Black Maternal Health Week brings attention to a serious issue: the alarming rate at which Black mothers face fatal complications related to pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these deaths are mostly preventable.

In Baltimore, and across the U.S., Black women are experiencing pregnancy-related deaths at rates three to four times higher than white women. Lashelle Stewart, the executive director of Baltimore Healthy Start, emphasizes that this is a grave concern affecting families, regardless of their income or education level. Shockingly, even wealthy Black mothers can be at greater risk than the poorest white mothers.

Black women are often more susceptible to severe complications during pregnancy and after childbirth, such as preeclampsia, blood clots, and low birth weight. Experts point to systemic racism within healthcare systems as a significant factor. Many Black mothers share that they feel their health concerns are dismissed or not taken seriously. “Moms aren’t heard, and they’re not believed,” says Stewart. This perception can lead to inadequate care and increased health risks.

Efforts to address these issues are ongoing at both state and federal levels. For instance, some states have extended Medicaid coverage for up to one year after childbirth, recognizing that nearly 50% of maternal deaths occur within the first year postpartum. Programs like Baltimore Healthy Start offer essential resources to mothers for up to 18 months after their child’s birth.

Despite progress, the U.S. still lacks a national paid parental leave policy, which could significantly ease the burden on new families. Advocates are also pushing for better access to telehealth services and more support for paid family leave.

Black Maternal Health Week, observed every April, serves as a reminder of the urgency for change. It’s an opportunity for advocates to call on lawmakers and health leaders to prioritize the health of Black mothers. For further resources and information, you can visit the Baltimore Healthy Start website.

This year’s observance runs from April 11 to April 17, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and awareness in the fight for equitable healthcare. By sharing stories and statistics, community voices can help bring about the changes that are desperately needed.

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