For those who don’t know, November is Premature Babies Awareness Month. November 17, in support of World Prematurity Day I intentionally wore purple and my grandmother accidentally wore purple but that’s neither here nor there. Unfortunately, premature births are very common. I can think of about 6 premature babies (well they aren’t babies anymore, but yeah) I have in my life, this health topic is very relevant in the black community. Sometimes premature birth is so common that it is normalized. Sometimes it’s so common that steps are not taken to promote a full-term birth.
About premature pregnancies
Every year in the United States, pregnant women go to the hospital pregnant at less than 37 weeks pregnant and are faced with the reality of delivering their baby preterm. Unfortunately, due to systemic oppression and a fragmented healthcare system, the United States leads the industrialized world in preterm births with nearly 400,000 occurring each year. Delivering a baby preterm can be extremely dangerous for both the baby and the mother. Babies who are born preterm have a higher risk of breathing and feeding trouble, developmental delay, hearing and vision problems, cerebral palsy, long-term disability, and even death. Mothers who have a preterm birth often experience increased physical, mental, and emotional health complications and may also be at an increased risk for maternal mortality.
Premature births and Black Women
In 2019, 14.4 percent of Black women who gave birth had a preterm birth. This is approximately 50% higher than the rate for white women. College education, income, and insurance status, while contributing factors, do not completely make up for the disparity between white women and Black women. Preterm birth often seems to happen randomly within the Black community. While some causes are unknown, there is evidence to show that systemic racism and oppression that exists both generally within society and also within the medical field, contribute to preterm birth among Black women. Generational stress and oppression is also likely to be a cause of preterm birth. Despite these factors, there are some things Black women can do to help decrease the risk of preterm birth.
What can we do as Black Women?
Pregnant women are encouraged to eliminate the use of tobacco and other substances, reduce stress, seek prenatal care as soon as you think you are pregnant, and contact your doctor immediately with any symptoms of preterm that you are experiencing. Warning signs of preterm birth may include frequent contractions, vaginal discharge, backaches, pelvic pressure, cramps, and diarrhea. It is also advised to establish care with a primary care doctor before getting pregnant. Black women may also find it helpful to find a doctor that is a woman of color to help reduce possible instances of racism and sexism within their healthcare. There are local organizations that have made it their mission to attack this issue, First Year Cleveland, March of Dimes, Hand to Hold, and Project Sweet Peas.
Lastly, Black women should remember to follow their gut and instincts when it comes to their health and the health of their unborn child.
Drop the names of premature and still perfect babies in your lives
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