Op-Ed: We Need To Address Black Maternal Mental Health Disparities

T Mdlungu/peopleimages.com Pregnancy and childbirth are often celebrated as joyous events in a woman’s life, but for some, especially Black women, this time may not be as cheerful as expected. Black women are much more likely to experience pregnancy-related complications and even death compared to white women, casting a shadow on an otherwise happy time and highlighting the need for targeted support and interventions. Many factors contribute to this disparity, including other chronic conditions, lack of quality prenatal or perinatal health care, and structural bias in the medical system. Underlying all of these factors is “weathering” – a term that describes how constant stress and racism in society may lead to premature biological aging and poorer health outcomes for Black people. Chronic stress, like weathering, is unhealthy for anyone, but it can be particularly harmful during pregnancy. Symptoms of prolonged stress, such as trouble falling asleep, loss of appetite, and headaches, can significantly impact expectant mothers and increase their risk of high blood pressure or preterm labor. While it’s normal to experience some new emotions or stress during pregnancy, severe stress can lead to mental health conditions and long-term effects for both baby and mother. For instance, mothers who experience...