Reducing racial inequity in risk of pregnancy-related deaths

For so many expectant mothers, anxiety can build from the moment they find out a little one is on the way.

One thing they shouldn’t have to worry about is dying during pregnancy or childbirth, but that’s a real possibility for too many women, particularly those who are African-American and live right here in Pennsylvania.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, on average, black mothers in the United States die at a rate that is at least triple that of white mothers — and that health disparity is troubling in Pennsylvania, with more than 33.9 deaths per 100,000 live births among black women, compared to nearly 13.1 for white women.

Some of the issues fueling these statistics include rising rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular disease among minority groups. However, systemic issues abound.

According to healthy people. gov, factors such as access to health care and early intervention programs, as well as the availability of educational, employment and economic opportunities, influence outcomes.

Additionally, inequities in the level of medical care and gaps in patient safety for expectant black mothers play a major part.

Given these disparities, it’s important that we support expectant black mothers in taking control of their health before, during and after their pregnancy.

There are a number of things expectant mothers can do to curtail some of the risks that come with pregnancy and childbirth, including:

Preconception health: Healthy pregnancies begin before conception. Treatment of chronic illnesses — particularly cardiovascular diseases — before getting pregnant will ultimately result in fewer complications.

Expectant mothers should talk to their doctor about their general medical history (including their family’s), any current health issues, their diet and exercise routine, pregnancy history, and any mental health concerns.

• Early and consistent prenatal care: Having prenatal care is associated with healthy pregnancies, especially care during the first trimester. If you know you are pregnant or think you might be, call your doctor to schedule a visit. According to womenshealth. gov, babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care.

• Proper nutrition: Eating a balanced diet, taking prenatal vitamins and maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy can improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

• Be vocal about your medical care: As a patient, you have a right to know everything as it relates to your medical treatment. Always trust your gut and do not be afraid to ask questions or raise concerns about your level of care or treatment (this includes routine procedures and tests) with your care provider.

• Follow up: We all know that being a new mother can be stressful, but moms have to make sure they are also taking care of themselves – not just their new baby. This means new mothers should be sure to go to their own follow-up appointments, which are usually a few weeks after giving birth.

There are also numerous community resources available for expectant moms here in Pennsylvania.

Among them are Baby Blocks, an online program that rewards pregnant women and new parents for staying on top of their prenatal and well-baby care, and Healthy First Steps, which improves pregnancy outcomes through case management and robust support services.

For more information about maternal health and mortality among expectant and new moms in Pennsylvania and nationwide, visit the America’s Health Rankings’ 2018 Health of Women and Children Report from United Health Foundation.