Pregnancy can be a source of fear and uncertainty, particularly for Black
people. The prevalence of racial prejudice within the health care system, in
addition to various other obstacles to good health, places us at a
greater risk of experiencing life-threatening complications.
A lot of Black patients seek me out because I’m an OB/GYN who looks like
them. But I can’t be there for everyone. So I’m hoping this article will
help.
Complications to Watch Out For
If you’re pregnant, hopefully everything will go smoothly. But some
complications can put you and your baby at risk, including:
• High blood pressure during pregnancy, a.k.a. pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational hypertension,
pre-eclampsia, eclampsia
• Diabetes during pregnancy, a.k.a.
gestational diabetes
• Bleeding
— it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem, but it can be a sign of a
miscarriage, placenta previa, placenta abruption, or hemorrhage after
delivery
You’re at especially high risk if you’re:
• Older than 35
• In your first pregnancy
• Obese
• Pregnant
within six months
of having a baby
• Have a history of previous pregnancy complications
You need to know about these risks so you can get help if they happen. I
encourage you to read each of the linked articles above.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you notice any of these symptoms, it might not be anything serious. But
just in case, tell your doctor as soon as possible if you’re having:
• Bad headache(s)
that won’t go away
• Chest pain
(more than just heartburn)
• Leg swelling
that doesn’t improve overnight
• Blurry vision, which can be a sign of diabetes or preeclampsia
• Not feeling well for any reason
• A
sudden, lasting decrease
in your baby’s movement
• Pain under your right breast, which can signal
preeclampsia
Don’t just try to tough it out. A lot of stillbirths, deaths, and
near-deaths happen to folks who put off going the hospital. If something
doesn’t feel right, call your doctor.
More Important Tips
Choose an OB/GYN You Trust
It’s important to have a doctor you trust, who listens to you and takes you
seriously. So, how do you find the right fit?
I recommend asking other parents who they’ve used and
checking online reviews. If other people had a good
experience with a particular doctor, there’s a decent chance you will, too.
Once You Trust Your Doctor…Listen to Them
There’s a lot of advice out there about pregnancy and delivery that has no
basis in medical fact. It can be very dangerous. It’s much smarter to listen
to someone who has real medical training.
If you’re not sure about something your doctor is telling you, get a second
opinion. If two different providers are both saying the same thing, there’s
a pretty good chance they’re right.
Go to All Your Checkups
Some people only go to the doctor when they think something’s wrong. That’s
a serious mistake. An OB/GYN can spot some problems long before you may
notice anything. And the earlier they’re caught, the easier they usually are
to solve.
Ask Questions
No matter how much you trust your doctor, be inquisitive at your visits. Ask
these questions at every decision point:
• What are the risks, benefits, and alternatives to what
you’re recommending?
• What symptoms should I watch out for?
• What can I do to support my pregnancy, help prevent
problems, and keep my baby as healthy as possible?
Always make sure you understand your options.
Have a Birth Plan…And Share it Early
Giving birth can be profound and magical. It can also be stressful and
terrifying. A
birth plan
lets you spell out what would make you feel most comfortable and supported
when your time comes.
Start thinking about it in your second trimester. Who do you want there with
you? What music do you want to hear? Do you want pain medication? What
medical interventions are you open to and what would you like to avoid if
possible?
Make sure your medical team is aware of your birth plan…and give them some
advance notice. Have it written down or printed out. Review the details
together before labor so you are all on the same page. Ask them to put it in
your chart, so no matter who’s there on the big day, they’ll all know what
it says.
But remember, childbirth can be unpredictable. Things don’t always go
exactly as planned.
Postpartum Complications
A lot of things can still go wrong for you after your baby arrives, especially in the first two weeks. Black people have a higher risk of this
happening, given our high maternal complication rates. So it’s crucial to
attend your postpartum appointment. The timeframe of this appointment may
vary depending on your situation, but can be as early as one week after
delivery.
Independence Blue Cross also covers
a nurse home visit, which is another checkpoint to make sure you and your baby are doing okay.
And if anything feels “off,” any time over the
whole next year
, call your doctor’s office right away.
Postpartum Depression
It’s very common to experience depression after giving birth,
especially for Black people. And social stigma sometimes makes it hard for us to discuss mental health.
If we start feeling depressed, we often just try to ride it out.
But
postpartum depression
isn’t something you should just ignore. It’s caused by hormonal changes in
your body after you’ve had a baby. You deserve to get treatment for it, just
like you would for any other health issue. That can provide the support you
need to take good care of yourself and your child. So please tell your
doctor right away.
You’ve Got This
You deserve the same chance for a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and
postpartum period as anyone else. That’s why I’m trying to give you the
information you need to make the right decisions.
Trust your gut. Listen to your body. Get a good doctor on your side, and let
them help you.
Independence Blue Cross members have access to resources that may also be
helpful, including the
Baby BluePrints®
program, as well as
Registered Nurse Health Coaches, who are available to members 24/7 by calling 1-800-ASK-BLUE
(1-800-275-2583 TTY/TDD: 711).
This article was originally published on IBX
Insights.
About Kerry-Anne Perkins, DO
Kerry-Anne Perkins, DO, is a board-certified OBGYN who is clinically proficient in minimally
invasive surgery for treatment of diseases of the female reproductive tract.
She has comprehensive expertise in high-risk pregnancies and contraceptive
care.
Dr. Perkins received her bachelor of science degree from Temple University,
her master of science degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic
Medicine, and her executive master of business administration degree from
Saint Joseph’s University. Her medical doctorate degree was received from
PCOM as well.
In addition to her practices in medicine, she is a major in the United
States Army Reserves. Dr. Perkins has notable honors and awards for her
contributions to the medical research community. She is a member of the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of
Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical
Association, and American Osteopathic Association.