Protect our Black Women: A Spotlight on Black Maternal Health Week

I couldn't let this week go by without highlighting black Maternal Health Week. Black Maternal Health Week occurs yearly between April 11 and April 17 with the goal of creating awareness to the health disparities that are unique black women in the United States and worldwide. Being in an OB/GYN residency in Louisiana has given me a better glimpse into the unique issues black women face during their pregnancy and in the postpartum period. My co-residents and I take care of black women who face daily barriers that complicate their pregnancy experience. We see black teenage pregnant women who develop severe blood pressure issues and have a higher rate of complications that we just don't see in other race groups. It's scary to think that regardless of education level and income, simply being a black woman puts me at a greater risk of experiencing a pregnancy-related death.

So where do we go from here? The good news is that increasing awareness about these maternal health disparities has reignited the government's commitment to addressing black maternal care. Policymakers, health care professionals, and communities are working daily to improve access to comprehensive healthcare for black women.

I hear many stories of women who feel unheard or misunderstood by their Obstetrician, and I encourage everyone to find a physician they can connect with. The pregnancy and postpartum period is such a momentous portion of a women's life and finding the right doctor for the journey is vital. Women's intuition is real and chances are if something doesn't feel right, it's not, so I encourage women not to be afraid to ask questions and to advocate for themselves!