Black Maternal Health Week spotlights disproportionate challenges faced during pregnancy

Denise DadorThe racial disparities in maternal death rates are significant, with Black women suffering from the highest fatalities and complications., ABC is taking a closer look at the challenges faced by Black women who are expecting a child.Six-month-old George the 5th is loud and active now, but when Kim Haley of Inglewood was pregnant with him, she heard news that deeply concerned her.The high rates of black maternal mortality and stillbirths came rushing to her mind.

"We can't refute that we African American women have a three to four times increased risk of maternal death," said obstetricians/gynecologistpractices in West Los Angeles and the Crenshaw District. She noted that Black women face conditions, such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, more often than their white peers. Social determinants of health play a strong role.

"There is something different about being African American. You unfortunately are in a category that somehow increases your risk for an outcome that you don't expect," she said. She said be careful about what you read during pregnancy. Haley believes Black women need to be strong advocates for themselves, but finding a doctor you trust is key.

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