Much of the healthcare system has been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in some cases these disruptions have exacerbated existing challenges. This is true for pregnant Black women, who already have a maternal mortality rate three times higher than that of white women. Urban Institute authors describe some of the ways COVID-19-related changes may put pregnant Black women and their babies at higher risk. These changes include more limited in-person prenatal care visits, limited support people allowed in the delivery room, and doulas not being allowed to attend deliveries. Black mothers with COVID-19 symptoms may also be separated from their newborns, creating stress, and delaying recommended skin-to-skin contact with their baby. During the postpartum period, economic anxiety and social distancing may also disproportionately impact the mental health of Black women. #covid-19 #racialequity #mentalhealth
Black maternal health risks increase during pandemic
You must be logged in to post a comment.