black maternal health matters…
Did you know black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women? This is due to a number of reasons - access, quality of care, resources, underlying conditions, etc. - but more times than not… the outcome is preventable with intervention.
A while after having my twins I read the stories of two young black women who unfortunately lost their lives from pregnancy-related causes. One of which was the result of low platelet counts. That story in particular hit close to home… like sick to my stomach close… and made me realize how blessed I was to receive the care I did during both my pregnancies… but especially while pregnant with the twins.
Since a pregnancy with multiples is considered high-risk I was seen more often than I would have been if i were pregnant with a siNgleton. I had multiple ultrasounds and bloodwork among other things… and in my third trimester I learned that my blood platelet count was dipping… and that stable counts are needed to ensure your blood clots as it should which is crucial when it comes to childbirth…
Fortunately I was being monitored closely, and a week or so prior to my scheduled c-section my doctor intervened and put me on steroids to boost my count. If they weren’t where they needed to be by my c-section date not only would I not be able to have an epidural, but I would also be put under general anesthesia… and risk losing so much blood that a transfusion would be necessary.
It was a wait and see situation that had my anxiety even higher, and even though my platelets were thankfully where they needed to be… I was still prepped for the possibility that I could need a blood transfusion if I started fo bleed too much during my C-section. And when I say prepped I don’t just mean signing consent forms… but also having a needle in my arm that would connect to donor blood if needed.
This type of care was - fortunately - what I had come to expect from the staff at my hospital. And it wasn’t until after I had my twins I realized that is far from the experience of others. Some… who lost their life due to preventable conditions such as the one I experienced.
April 11 - April 17 is Black Maternal Health week… a week to highlight some of the racial disparities that exist in maternal health and increase awareness on ways to recognize them, advocate for your rights, feel empowered to make decisions for your maternal care. Pregnancy is an amazing time, but it is also one that requires a high level of care and attentiveness from those you entrust to see you through the journey. Understand your rights, ask questions, and if something doesn’t feel right - trust that and do what you feel is best.