Maternal risk as black women: Does it scare you?

Question

Black women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than white women. I’m ttc but terrified by this statistic. I’m worried that my husband and I won’t receive proper care if/when I get pregnant because we’re black. Does anyone else think about this? 
Share in the comments about your experiences with maternal care as a black woman and any other thoughts you have!

Answer

Ive received great care with all three of my pregnancies. I haven’t had a bad experience yet. And this was 2 different hospitals

Answer

I had twins vaginally and got excellent care! I picked a great doctor midwife group. You should do that too! Do your research and you’ll be ok

Answer

still nervous, and doing my best to be my healthiest and minimize risks. this is the first time I haven't had providers of color... ever. my OBGYN quit so I switched to a new practice. my first midwife is a lovely white lady, who was very positive despite my fibroids. prior OBGYN was also unconcerned about the fibroids. my RE is also a white woman, who is extremely positive and confident about my fertility. I never feel dismissed or dumb for asking questions, which has helped me feel a bit better

Answer

Mom of one ttc for #2. My birth experience almost went sour when my OBGYN told me he would not be about to continue my care becuase Medicaid failed to update my marriage name into their system and my insurance card still had my maiden name. He literally told me he would refer me to the uninsured department (even though I had insurance). I remember being on bed rest due to preeclampsia crying. Mind you my blood pressure was being monitored and crying wasnt helping. Anyways, after crying I became proactive and got on the phone with Medicaid (had to be transferred a million times) but it was finally resolved. The hospital staff was very helpful and the lady in their insurance department kept reassuring me that I wasnt going to be treated as an uninsured patient. After that, I request for the midwife who worked for my OBGYN office and she accepted my care. I was able to deliver my son vaginally, which is what I wanted. It's crazy how something as small as a name change could turn onto a disaster. I don't blame my doc for telling me he could not continue my care becuase at the end of the day it's a business but it's how he said it.

Answer

We do have significantly more risks however if you follow the doctor’s orders and keep up with all appointments, I think the risk decreases.

Answer

When I read one article at first but as I continue to read it also said that African-American women did not keep their pre-natal appointments or receive as much care.  As with any major health event I think it’s important to do research ahead of time and have a health advocate with you at the hospital.

Answer

I had great care! Everyone was great, I had my doctor for 12 years prior to pregnancy

Maternal risk as black women: Does it scare you?

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