Studies Suggest That Racism Affects Childbirth

“Today, a college-educated Black woman like Samantha Pierce is more likely to give birth prematurely than a white woman with a high school degree.”

Studies show that the rate of women who give birth prematurely is higher for Black women than white women, and that these babies also run the risk of dying at a way higher rate.

“Scientists and doctors have spent decades trying to understand what makes African-American women so vulnerable to losing their babies. Now, there is growing consensus that racial discrimination experienced by Black mothers during their lifetime makes them less likely to carry their babies to full term.” (NPR)

Racial Discrimination and the stress that comes with this, manifest itself as health risk for Black women.

“What is different about growing up Black in America is discrimination, it’s hard to find any aspect of life that’s not impacted by racial discrimination. Whether you’re talking about applying for a job, or purchasing a new car, finding housing, getting education … even given equal education, earning the same amount of money, that doesn’t happen. If you’re black, you tend to get less pay.” (NPR)

Coupled with the stress many Black women experience due to racial discrimination, overwhelmingly high incarceration rates of Black men places another burden on Black women, who are forced to become the primary source of income for their families.

It is very important that we as Black women indulge in self-care. Self care in itself is a revolutionary act and we cannot let the weight of the world manifest as health risk’s in our lives and especially during our pregnancies.

Read More:

How Racism May Cause Black Mothers To Suffer The Death Of Their Infants