Health Insights

Supporting pregnant people of color with vital health information.

Data Collection

Assessing health indicators and vulnerabilities in communities. Maternal mortality and morbidity rates among pregnant people of color, particularly Black and Indigenous women, are significantly higher compared to their White counterparts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022), Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. This disparity is attributed to factors such as limited access to quality healthcare, systemic racism, and socioeconomic inequalities (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2021).

Community Support

Engaging and educating expectant parents of color effectively. Community-based organizations play a pivotal role in health education for pregnant people of color. Organizations such as Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) and SisterSong offer resources, advocacy, and educational programs tailored to the needs of Black women and other women of color (BMMA, 2021).

Research Studies

Exploring health education efforts for vulnerable populations. Current Health Status

Maternal Mortality and Morbidity

Maternal mortality rates in the United States reveal stark disparities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women experience maternal mortality rates approximately three times higher than their White counterparts (CDC, 2021). Native American and Alaska Native women also face significantly higher rates of maternal mortality.

Furthermore, the rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) are disproportionately higher among women of color. The CDC's data from 2017-2019 highlights that Black women experienced SMM rates 50% higher than White women (CDC, 2021).

Prenatal Care and Birth Outcomes

Adequate prenatal care is crucial for ensuring positive pregnancy outcomes. However, studies have shown that women of color, particularly Black and Hispanic women, are less likely to receive early and adequate prenatal care (Kozhimannil et al., 2017). This inadequacy in prenatal care is linked to higher rates of preterm births, low birth weight, and neonatal mortality among these populations (March of Dimes, 2020).

Health Needs

Access to Quality Care

One of the primary health needs for pregnant people of color is improved access to quality prenatal and maternal healthcare services. Barriers such as socioeconomic status, lack of health insurance, and geographic location often impede access to care (Grobman et al., 2016). Addressing these barriers is essential for improving health outcomes.

Culturally Competent Care

Cultural competence in healthcare delivery is another critical need. Health professionals must be trained to provide care that is sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse populations (Betancourt et al., 2016). This includes understanding and respecting cultural beliefs and practices related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Mental Health Support

Mental health support is a vital aspect of maternal health that is often overlooked. Pregnant women of color are at increased risk for conditions such as perinatal depression and anxiety, yet they are less likely to receive adequate mental health care (Kane et al., 2018). Integrated mental health services within prenatal care can help address this need.

Resource Materials

Providing educational tools for pregnant individuals and families.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Addressing health equity during the COVID-19 pandemic: How did we do? Retrieved from https://www.acog.org

Bailey, Z. D., Krieger, N., Agénor, M., Graves, J., Linos, N., & Bassett, M. T. (2017). Structural racism and health inequities in the USA: Evidence and interventions. The Lancet, 389(10077), 1453-1463.

Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Ananeh-Firempong, O. (2003). Defining cultural competence: A practical framework for addressing racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care. Public Health Reports, 118(4), 293-302. https://doi.org/10.1093/phr/118.4.293

Black Mamas Matter Alliance. (2021). BMMA resource hub. Retrieved from https://blackmamasmatter.org

Braveman, P., Egerter, S., & Williams, D. R. (2011). The social determinants of health: Coming of age. Annual Review of Public Health, 32, 381-398.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Pregnancy mortality surveillance system. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternal-mortality/pregnancy-mortality-surveillance-system.htm

Doctor Oceana. (n.d.). About me. Doctor Oceana. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://www.doctor-oceana.com/about-me

For The Village. (n.d.). For The Village. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://forthevillage.org/

Grobman, W. A., Parker, C. B., Willinger, M., Wing, D. A., Silver, R. M., Wapner, R. J., ... & Saade, G. R. (2018). Racial/ethnic disparities in adverse pregnancy outcomes and psychosocial stress. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 131(2), 328-335.

Health Resources and Services Administration. (2020). Healthy start. Retrieved from https://mchb.hrsa.gov/maternal-child-health-initiatives/healthy-start

Kane, P., & Carver, A. (2018). Perinatal depression: A systematic review of prevalence and incidence. Obstetric Medicine, 11(3), 126-141.

Kozhimannil, K. B., Interrante, J. D., Henning-Smith, C., & Admon, L. K. (2019). Rural-urban differences in severe maternal morbidity and mortality in the US, 2007-15. Health Affairs, 38(12), 2077-2085. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00805

March of Dimes. (2020). Maternal and infant health data for the United States. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org

Mehra, R., Boyd, L. M., Magriples, U., Kershaw, T. S., Ickovics, J. R., & Keene, D. E. (2020). Black pregnant women "get the most judgment": A qualitative study of the experiences of Black women at the intersection of race, gender, and pregnancy. Women's Health Issues, 30(6), 484-492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2020.08.001

SisterSong. (n.d.). About SisterSong. SisterSong. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://www.sistersong.net/about-x2

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