Black maternal health: Tips for self-advocacy

In the United States, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Black patients are also 2.1 times more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and 1.5 times more likely to have a preterm delivery when compared to white women.

Systemic racism is at the core of this disparity, according to the University of Chicago Medicine’s Jana J. Richards, MD, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“There is nothing in a Black person’s genes or anything inherently wrong with their body that raises the risk for complications,” said Richards. “But treatable conditions can become life-or-death illnesses when implicit bias and systemic racism lead to delayed or missed diagnosis, delayed or withheld treatment, or disparities in access to health education.”

Efforts are underway on the national, state, local and community levels to address disparities in Black maternal health. Still, Richards urges those who are pregnant — and, in particular, Black women who may have elevated health risks — to become their own advocates during and after pregnancy, using these tips:

» Find a healthcare provider and inform them of anything that does not seem right. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Do whatever you need to do to feel supported.

» Bring a support person with you to your appointments or have them present when talking to your provider.

» Review your visit notes and plan after your visit. Studies show that most patients retain only part of the information discussed during their visit. Now, with shared notes, you have an opportunity to review your electronic chart at any time.

» Try to find birth classes to learn about the basics of labor and delivery, including your options.

» Create a birth plan and discuss with your provider what options might be best for you. Understand that sometimes it’s necessary to adjust the plan based on what’s safest for you and your baby.

» Maintain social support systems during, before and after pregnancy. Support your mental and spiritual health by connecting with a therapist or a faith leader. Talk about the daily stressors and fears you may have about pregnancy.

Those who are pregnant with elevated health risks should recognize the signs of a medical emergency:

WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY DURING PREGNANCY

» Difficulty breathing

» Chest pain

» Racing heartbeat

» Persistent belly pain

» Persistent pain under the right breast

» Persistent headache

» Heavy vaginal bleeding

WORLD-CLASS CARE, CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

The University of Chicago Medicine’s multidisciplinary team cares for both birthing parents and babies through every phase of the pregnancy journey. We offer the full range of prenatal and postpartum care, from low-risk prenatal care with our midwives, obstetricians and gynecologists, to high-risk care with our highly skilled maternal-fetal medicine physicians and neonatologists. We also offer access to lactation consultants, community health workers, social workers and prenatal classes. Call 773-702-6118 to schedule an appointment.

» Feeling less movement from the baby

» Visual disturbances, such as flashes of light, dark spots or loss of vision

WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AN EMERGENCY AFTER GIVING BIRTH

» Headaches that won’t go away with over-the-counter medicine

» Dizziness

» Blurred vision or blind spots

» Extreme swelling of the hands or feet

» Persistent temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

» Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby

» Please call your provider and seek help even if the only thing you need is additional support with caring for your newborn baby.

Ingalls Memorial workshops address growing need for mental health services

South suburban Harvey, Illinois, has one of the highest rates of mental health-related emergency room visits in all of Cook County, according to the 2021-22 UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Community Health Needs Assessment.

Through this assessment, Harvey-based UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital identified access to mental healthcare and services as a top health priority for those living in the 13 ZIP codes that make up the hospital’s community benefit service area. Major concerns around mental health include the stigma associated with mental illness, particularly in communities of color, and the need for mental health education among youth.

To help address mental health needs and disparities in the south suburbs, hospital leaders partnered with Felicia Houston, MA, LCPC, CWA, a licensed clinical professional counselor, to launch the Mental Wellbeing Spring Series. This free series of workshops, which Houston created and facilitates, is designed to empower participants to better understand and manage their mental health and wellness.

The series ran from April to July, with workshops covering a different topic each month. The workshops were open to anyone interested in participating.

April’s workshop, titled “Stress Less, Live More,” held in Hazel Crest, Illinois, focused on women’s unique mental health concerns. The workshop explored the relationship between stress and mental health and identified practical coping and stress management skills. For example, Houston explained why prioritizing sleep, healthy eating habits and daily movement provides the foundation for managing stress and living a balanced life.

May’s hourlong virtual session focused on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. Attendees learned about the stigma associated with talking about mental health and effective strategies for managing emotions.

Houston plans to offer additional virtual sessions in the future. “There are so many advantages to a virtual option. Not only is it convenient, but we can reach people who may never step foot on the hospital campus,” said Houston.

Some UChicago Medicine staff members have also participated. Suzanne Lino, MSW, Community Benefit Project Manager at UChicago Medicine, found the session valuable in addressing mental health concerns that can affect anyone.

“I think this workshop series is so important. Everyone’s mental wellness changed due to the pandemic. I know for me, as someone who works in a 100% remote capacity, it’s key to be intentional about taking mental health breaks throughout the day,” said Lino.

According to Houston, mental health breaks can lower one’s heart rate, center the mind and promote relaxation in the midst of a stressful situation. A mental health break can include taking a walk around the block, calling a friend for a 10-minute chat or listening to a favorite song.

Houston hopes to offer more mental health workshops in the future, especially for youth in the community.

“The positive response has been overwhelming. The community wants more sessions,” said Houston. “There is a huge need for additional mental health services in the south suburbs. These workshops are transforming communities one resident at a time.”