Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. Maternal mortality is unacceptably high, where about 287,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020. Black women, especially in central Brooklyn, are at the center of this epidemic.
There is not a lot of concrete information about why this is happening to Black women in central Brooklyn at much higher rates than other demographics, so it is imperative to address these concerns. Maternal mortality is a heartbreaking event, especially for family members and spouses. Factors that are associated with maternal mortality include chronic heart disease, postpartum hemorrhage and obesity.
Though having consistent pain during labor is not directly associated with maternal mortality, precautions should still be taken such as getting checked out as there are still chances of a mother giving birth and the child is stillborn. Many people do not know the signs of stillborn babies. One main sign is a decrease or change in a baby’s movement in the womb. Stillbirth, like all pregnancy loss, is difficult to overcome.
Many people who experience post-partum tragedies feel alone. While so many people are affected by this type of loss, it can affect many areas of your life and leave you with many questions.
Are there any available resources in central Brooklyn that can help deal with this issue? I believe SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University should cater to everyone’s needs, especially to women who are victims of post-maternal complications. Whether we like it or not, we must deal with closing the gap between Black and white expectant mothers, where the mortality rate is 2.6 times more for Black women.
We also need to talk more, and spread information about maternal mortality in our community. For example, we could:
- Spread useful information about what we can do differently, to help mothers who are dealing with grief and postmortem care so they can be able to bond with their baby.
- As a community, we can research, read journals and have monthly meetings.
- Individually, we can set up appointments with our doctors to discuss issues and create healthier relationships with our medical care providers.
- Physicians can spread awareness by going to campuses and pop-up events to destigmatize the issue.
As the debate about how to revamp SUNY Downstate continues, we can address maternal mortality through the adoption of integrated care for high-risk pregnancies or preconception counseling. These issues are vital for Black women who are giving birth, especially in central Brooklyn.
Marie Devilas is a Brooklyn resident and a student at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.
