Pregnancy Complications All Black Women Should Know About

Pregnancy is a special time filled with excitement and anticipation. While most women have smooth pregnancies and healthy babies, some may experience complications that can put their health and that of their babies at risk. It’s important to note that, although these complications can happen to anyone, the risk is significantly higher for Black women. This disparity highlights the need for more awareness and support for Black mothers-to-be to ensure that they receive the care and attention they need throughout their pregnancy journey.

“Studies show Black women are three to four times more likely to die from complications of pregnancy than white women, and many of these deaths are preventable,” says Maggie Bisceglia, certified registered nurse practitioner at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “Issues such as poor quality of care and lack of access to care are factors in this disparity. But the good news is that through awareness and education, Black women can lower their risk and help to prevent or successfully manage potential pregnancy problems.”

Staying Proactive Throughout Your Pregnancy

For all pregnant women, prioritizing health during pregnancy is essential. Getting regular prenatal care can help set the foundation for a healthy pregnancy. However, if genetic conditions or complications make pregnancy challenging, detecting them early can help you and your prenatal care provider take steps to manage them as successfully as possible.

If you think you are pregnant, schedule your first prenatal appointment with your health care provider. Most health care providers will want to see you after the eight-week mark (or sooner if you have any concerns). At this visit, your health care provider will do a physical exam, go over your health history and lifestyle, run blood tests and check your blood pressure.

After that, if you are not at high risk for complications, you will likely have visits:

• Once every four weeks through the 28th week, then
• Once every two weeks until 36 weeks, then
• Once a week until delivery

At these appointments, your provider will check your weight and blood pressure as well as the development of your baby. You’ll also have at least one ultrasound as well as prenatal tests to check for certain birth defects and genetic disorders.

Your provider may want to see you more frequently if you have certain risk factors, including:

• Overweight and obesity
• Age 35 or older
• History of pregnancy complications
• Existing medical conditions
• Pregnancy with multiple births

Read More: What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

Common Pregnancy Complications

In addition to making regular prenatal visits, you can help protect yourself and your baby by being aware of the warning signs of common complications of pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who didn’t have diabetes before is known as gestational diabetes. This happens when your body doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy, during pregnancy. Having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing high blood pressure and can cause long-term health problems for your baby.

Symptoms to watch for: Gestational diabetes usually doesn’t cause symptoms. You will likely be tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, the period when it is most likely to develop. But if you’re at higher risk, you may be tested earlier.

Read More: What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition in which there is a sudden rise in blood pressure and signs of kidney or liver damage. It can occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy and lead to serious health problems for both the mother and baby. Without proper management, pre-eclampsia can develop into eclampsia, which can cause seizures and is a medical emergency.

Symptoms to watch for: Some women don’t have symptoms, but signs can include a persistent headache, changes in vision, pain in the upper stomach, nausea or vomiting, swelling of the face or hands, weight gain, and breathing problems.

Preterm Labor

When contractions begin too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is a complication that requires medical attention. Babies born prematurely have low birth weight and account for about 15% of infant deaths. This is because important fetal growth takes place in the final weeks of pregnancy. These babies may have breathing, feeding, vision and hearing problems; developmental delays; cerebral palsy; or other complications. Black women are 50% more likely to have a preterm birth than white or Hispanic women.

Symptoms to watch for: Contractions every 10 minutes or more, increase in vaginal discharge, pelvic pressure, low backache and cramps.

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)

PPH is excessive bleeding following childbirth that can be life-threatening. It usually occurs within 24 hours of giving birth but can happen up to 12 weeks later.

Symptoms to watch for: Blurred vision, chills, confusion, dizziness, feeling faint, heavy vaginal bleeding, nausea or vomiting, fast heartbeat, and weakness.

Protecting Yourself and Your Baby

Throughout your pregnancy, you can take steps to help you and your baby stay healthy. Practice self-care to lower your chances for developing complications:

• Follow a healthy diet and drink lots of fluids.
• Get regular physical activity.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Manage stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques.
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
• Take all medications recommended by your health care provider, such as blood pressure medications or low-dose aspirin.

Read More: What to Eat During Pregnancy

Another way to stay proactive during your pregnancy is to ask relatives about any problems they experienced during pregnancy. Some complications run in families, so talking to members of your family can give you an idea of your risk factors.

In addition, remember that you are your own advocate. Because Black women are more likely to experience pregnancy complications, it’s more important than ever to speak up when you have questions as well as continue to voice your concerns until you feel you have been heard and taken seriously.

“Tell your prenatal care provider right away if you notice any concerning symptoms,” Bisceglia says. “It’s also important to continue to get care after the baby is born.”

Thinking about expanding your family? Request an appointment with a women’s health provider at Beaufort Memorial.