🤰🏾💛 Why Pregnancy Is Riskier Than Ever — And What You Can Do to Help

on

 Home  >  Articles  >  Baby Care & Wellness / Mom's Care / Parenting Tips / Hot News  > Here


A group of diverse parents-to-be supporting each other in a hopeful, community-centered space.
💖👶Having a baby should feel joyful 🎉 — not risky ⚠️. But for many Black and Indigenous parents in the U.S., pregnancy comes with serious health concerns that often go unseen or unheard 🧠💬.

Every April, Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) 🗓️ reminds us how important it is to support safer pregnancies for everyone — especially for communities facing higher risks 🤝🏾.

Two parents reading about maternal health risks, sharing a moment of care and concern.
📊 1- What’s Happening?

Today, maternal health in America is at its most dangerous since the 1960s 🏥⏳.
Black parents are nearly 3x more likely to experience complications or die during pregnancy 🧾💔. Indigenous communities often face even higher risks 📉.

And it’s not just about the body 🧍🏽‍♀️. Factors like:

  • 💭 Mental health struggles (like anxiety or depression)

  • 🏚️ Housing or transportation issues

  • ❌ No health insurance

  • 🚫 Limited access to prenatal care

...can all make things harder — even before pregnancy begins.

🌟 But there’s hope: According to the CDC, 80% of pregnancy-related deaths can be prevented. That’s huge. 🙌

A pregnant parent receiving supportive, respectful care from a diverse care team.

🧡 2- What You Can Do (Even If You’re Not a Doctor!)

Whether you're expecting 👶, supporting someone who is 🤗, or just care about this topic 💬 — here are real ways to help:

🤱🏾 If You’re Expecting:

  • 👩🏾‍⚕️ Find a provider who truly listens and treats you with care.
  • 📣 Speak up for yourself — your voice matters
  • 🚨 Know the danger signs: Learn what symptoms mean you need help right away.
  • 🤲🏾 Think about a doula — they offer amazing support from bump to baby.
    An expecting parent taking time for peaceful self-care and reflection during pregnancy.

  • 🧘🏽‍♀️ Take care of your mental health — it’s just as important as the physical.
  • 🌍 Look for culturally supportive care — groups like Black Mamas Matter Alliance or Hear Her Campaign understand your needs.

Family members caring for and supporting a pregnant loved one with kindness and joy.
👪 If You’re a Friend or Family Member:

  • 🚗 Go to check-ups with them — be their support system.
  • 🧠 Learn the warning signs together — knowledge saves lives.
  • 📞 Check in after the birth — recovery takes time and love.
  • 💌 Be present, be kind — your presence makes a difference

Community members gathering to raise awareness and care for local families.
🏘️ If You’re Part of the Community:

  • 🤝 Support organizations that are changing the game.
  • 🗣️ Listen to Black & Indigenous voices — they know what’s needed.
  • 📢 Speak up for healthcare access for all.
  • 🍲 Look after new parents nearby — small gestures = big love.

Families and birth workers connecting in a sunny park, celebrating safe, respectful care for all.

🌈 FINAL THOUGHT: Safer Births Lift Us All

“When we improve care for those facing the greatest barriers, we make care better for everyone,” says Michele Kulhanek, a perinatal safety expert 👩‍⚕️🌟.

💬 Let’s listen more.
 💛 Care deeper.
 🚀 And take real steps toward safer, more respectful births — for every family.

📚 Looking for more warm and practical support? 🌱💛

Don't miss our gentle guides on how families can help at home and what's working to make pregnancy safer in Africa — because care, love, and safer births matter everywhere 💫👶🏿🌍



📝🔎 Source: This article is based on insights from PeaceHealth’s community health experts, including Michele Kulhanek, RN. It was inspired by the information shared during Black Maternal Health Week to raise awareness around pregnancy-related risks and how to reduce them.


Comments

Post a Comment