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Stress Affects Black Fertility And Birth Rates

August 7, 2019

August 7, 2019

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How stressful is pregnancy?

Expecting mothers and those who are trying to conceive know how difficult it can be to have a baby. Unfortunately, as pregnancy is often perceived as a natural – if not expected – period in the life of a woman, many are left blaming themselves for feeling inadequate when they struggle with high-stress levels before or during their pregnancy. The truth is that starting a family puts a lot of pressure on the female mind and body. It takes a lot more than trying to relax to get through this challenging time as safely and healthily as possible. But first of all, it’s essential to understand how stress can affect your body. Every woman experiences pregnancy stress. For Black expectant mothers, however, the stress factors can have devastating consequences.

Stress makes it more difficult to get pregnant

It has now been almost 64 years since Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat on a Montgomery bus. The civil rights movement has ended legalized racial segregation and discrimination. Unfortunately, it hasn’t put an end to racism and abuse. The African American population faces daily discrimination, which puts a toll of their health, triggering stress and depressive disorders. It’s not uncommon for Black women to struggle to get pregnant as a result of their stress levels. Stress may be causing your infertility issues. Unfortunately, you may not be able to reverse the process rapidly. This is why women who have difficulties conceiving often turn to egg donation programs to find a matching donor. They receive also dedicated support throughout the pregnancy to guarantee the best possible results.

‘Sexism and racism cause a lot of stress to pregnant women, which affects the birth weight, their pains, and the way they are treated in a clinical environment.”

Stressful pregnancies can have dramatic consequences

Stress towards the end of your pregnancy and during labor affects both the health of the mother and the baby. In rare cases, high-stress can cause a shock reaction, which can lead to health complications and even death. Sexism and racism cause a lot of stress to pregnant women, which affects the birth weight, their pain level, and the way they are treated in a clinical environment. The most important question we need to ask is, how can we make pregnancy and birth less stressful?

Stressful delivery is the recipe for a tragedy

Giving birth in a hospital can feel daunting. However, a slow and steady home birth movement is appearing throughout first world countries. Home birth offers a more relaxed atmosphere as well as a unique relationship with your midwife. For many expecting mothers, home birth is a solution against postnatal shock.

How can you reduce stress?

Overall, there is a dire need to offer a dedicated and personalized structure for women who are trying to conceive and expectant mothers throughout the pregnancy process. Everyday stress is amplified for the African American population with dramatic consequences.  But people like Amy Crockett, an obstetrician in Greenville, have dedicated their practice to provide tailored programs and reduce stress throughout the pregnancy. While the model isn’t focused on racial disparities; it is the inclusiveness that eliminates many of these risks for pregnant women.

Stress factors escalate with racial tension and discrimination. But caring and inclusive support for pregnant moms throughout the process from conception to birth has shown positive improvements. Reducing pregnancy stress is, theoretically, possible. 

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