There are many hospitals and universities currently researching the issue of pregnancy related problems among African American women. Problems such as premature deliveries, low birth weight, preeclampsia (high blood pressure developed during pregnancy, which can be fatal for mom and baby if not detected and treated.) Uterine fibroid tumors, (may contribute to miscarriages) and the lowest rate in breast feeding, (breastfeeding is most beneficial for the health and development of baby’s brain and digestive system.)

The research of racial disparities among pregnant African American women have also become a hot topic within many facilities.

While many of us may assume that most if these issues are due to lack of education, insurance, status, etc., the findings have been quite interesting in that African American women of higher education, status, insurance, etc. have also been faced with these very same complications during pregnancy.

Could it be our stressful lifestyles, poor nutrition, weight issues? or simply that African American women do not receive equal treatment while pregnant? While it has been found to be true that there really are racial disparities among pregnant African American women, and more and more hospitals are starting to address this issue, I do believe that there should be a since of self responsibility in the way that we African American women deal with, expose, and bring down this terrible issue. I believe that we should ask more questions, demand more information and education and be an educated patient before we even get pregnant.

Ask your doctor for ways to prevent pregnancy related problems and follow your doctors instructions as closely as possible. And finally take better care of our health. Exercise, multivitamins, stress reduction, good nutrition etc..

Feedback on this issue pls….