Black women experience high levels of mental health distress during their pregnancies, according to a new study.
Released in The Nurse Practioner, researchers from Boston College’s William F. Connell School of Nursing analyzed the mental health of 452 pregnant Black Americans. In their results, the researchers reported that, of the 452 individuals, nearly 43% had higher rates of depression, anxiety and stress. Of the three, the participants recorded increased levels of stress the most.
Overall, over one-third of those involved in the study had two of the reported symptoms. Approximately one-third said they suffered from all three.
“Pregnant Black individuals experience high levels of comorbid mental health distress including depression, anxiety, and stress,” the authors wrote in their conclusion. “Prenatal interventions should aim to address mental health distress through screening and treatment of depression, anxiety, and stress, especially for pregnant Black individuals.”
For years, healthcare professionals have begun ringing the alarm on the Black women’s maternal health crisis.
Overall, Black women are more likely to pass away from a variety of pregnancy-related health issues. Per the latest report by March of Dimes, Black women are three times more likely to pass away during pregnancy when compared to white women.
Read our December feature on #Depression, #anxiety, and #stress in pregnant Black people: A case for screening and evidence-based intervention. #APRNs #NursePractitioners https://t.co/v9FjyaYnfF
— The Nurse Practitioner Journal (@TNPJ_Journal) December 7, 2023
Black women between the ages of 30 and 34 they’re more than four times more likely to experience pregnancy-related issues and pass away as a result of complications, according to a study by the National Institute of Health.
The infant mortality rate in the U.S. is just as alarming amongst Black infants. Overall, 10.6 out of every 1,000 live births ended in death amongst Black infants in the U.S.
A variety of factors contribute to these higher maternal mortality rates amongst Black American women. Researchers identify higher rates of c-sections, increased chance of bleeding disorders, hypertension and diabetes as contributing factors.
Inequities, such as racism, sexism and unconscious bias, as well as less access to healthcare and necessary treatment during pregnancy, are also reasons driving the Black women’s maternal healthcare crisis, according to researchers at Cedars Sinai.
“The inequities around Black maternal health in America are critical for us to keep at the forefront of our work,” said Christina Harris, MD, vice president and chief health equity officer at Cedars-Sinai, per a report. “This issue embodies every challenge we face in healthcare today, from inequitable access to timely and high-quality care to disparate treatments and outcomes.”
To address the higher rates, nonprofits such as Black Women for Wellness, Black Mamas Matter Alliance as well as the Sista Midwife Productions and the Sista Midwife Directory, are all dedicated to providing Black mothers with the support they need throughout their pregnancies and after giving birth.
