IF YOU’RE PREGNANT NOW…

Here’s how Fivexmore recommends that Black women advocate for themselves in maternity care

1 SPEAK UP

No one knows your body better than you, and gut feelings are almost always right. So, if you feel like something isn’t right, trust your gut, then make sure you speak to a medical professional; don’t stay silent.

2 FIND AN ADVOCATE

This could be your partner, a family member or a friend – someone you can rely on for support during appointments and who will speak on your behalf, if necessary.

3 GET A SECOND OPINION

You’re allowed to ask for a second opinion from another medical professional if you feel you need to.

4 DO YOUR RESEARCH

Go to trusted sources such as the NHS and NICE websites and patient.info to read up on the stages of care during pregnancy and labour.

5 DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

Make sure any treatment or medication you are given – or refused – is written down in your maternity notes by your doctor or midwife, stating their name and reason why. Go a step further and keep your own personal journal in which you write down all of this information, so you can cross-reference.

To find out more about the campaign, visit fivexmore.com