Hear Our Cry: 10 Pregnancy Tips for Black Women

So, I was responding to some questions via email and my DM this past weekend and I noticed a lot of my sistahs were expressing concern that they felt they were not listened or valued as a patient with their current or previous OBGYN provider. We as physicians ultimately have to collectively do better in listening and educating, but also encouraging other providers whom we feel  DON’T listen to patients who look like us, or who subconsciously dismiss black female complaints.  That is a given and something that will always have my unwavering support. 

But I also believe that self empowerment can also lead to better care.  So here are 10 pointers we as a people can do to take charge of our care.   

1️⃣ Find a black OBGYN.  Yes, “We are the world..,” “Jesus loves us all…,” “Race is only the child/product of racism.” Great 👍🏾.  But the reality is, trickle down racism is real, there’s no going back, and the only real way to move forward is to not be colorblind, but to be proactive in demanding equality.  Another fact of the matter is this: cultural similarities between doctors and patients provide for a more flourishing doctor-patient relationship.  Doctors who look like you know what you’re having for dinner, they understand the family dynamic, they get the cultural norms that might lead to misinformation or lack of access to care. Black doctors know and understand the colloquialisms you use, we know what you’re likely eating on a weekly basis, we know the many cultural limitations as to why you don’t work out. 

Finding a doctor that understands these elements in your life provide for better counseling and not just a straightforward, “just do better cause you need to.” We provide real solutions because we most likely had to make those changes when we entered medicine and were educated on the dangers of our everyday lifestyle practices.  

2️⃣ Good Care starts BEFORE pregnancy.  If you are trying to get pregnant, start taking prenatal vitamins.  Make sure your vitamin has 0.4 mg of folic acid and iron in it.  If you are obese, please attempt to lose 5% of your weight prior to pregnancy.  Make sure you have good dentition prior to conceiving (yes, poor dental care in pregnancy can lead to illness while pregnant).  Try to make sure you have insurance set up so you can have early access to care once you actually do get pregnant.  

3️⃣ If you know that you had previous pregnancy complications, please report these during your FIRST visit.  No matter how minute you think the detail might be, small clues about your previous care can tell us what to expect and plan for.  

4️⃣ If you have current co-morbidities (like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc), visit your primary care physician (PCP) to get those under control prior to pregnancy.  Uncontrolled medical problems can lead to top causes of pregnancy related death, including higher risks of hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia and strokes.  

5️⃣ Use technology to your advantage.  If you have any questions, put them in the Notes section of your phone so that you will remember them at your next visit. Take pics of medicine names or any skin pathology you have questions about and present them at the next visit.  Ask if your doctor is on the OhMD app, which allows doctors to consult patients outside of the office through text messaging.  

6️⃣ EXERCISE, even when expecting! Obesity leads to pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, higher risks of C-sections, and shortens you’re labor length.  Start with either brisk walking or doing house chores for 30 minutes after each meal and cutting out juice/soda.  

7️⃣ DON’T let your family poison your mind! You only need an extra 300-500 calories per day.  In black households, we love a good meal with pig feet and salty greens, especially during the holidays.  Don’t let your family tell you that “you’re eating for two now.” Count your calories and be mindful of your intake to avoid obesity, which leads to labor complications and lengthens your labor course.  

8️⃣ Review signs and symptoms of preterm labor and pre-eclampsia with your practitioner so you’ll know when to go into ED.  

9️⃣ If you do go to the emergency room and feel that you are not being listened to, use buzz phrases like, “Doctor, I’m concerned/scared to go home.” This should prompt us to take an extra second to review why you’re ok to go home or initiate further testing if needed.  Remember, these words are not to just throw out all willy-nilly or just because; it is a tool to use if you truly are still worried about your condition.  

🔟 There’s strength in numbers.  Find a FaceBook group where you can read different birth stories or a group of friends you are comfortable discussing your care with for support.  Bouncing ideas off of multiple minds helps you to understand what to expect, or it may spark new questions for your doc, which only helps you understand your care more.

Hope these help y’all. Keep fighting the good fight. ✌🏾