There’s a lot to process when you find out you’re pregnant. Whether it was planned or unexpected, the moment can bring a mix of emotions, including excitement, uncertainty, and a flood of questions: How do I prepare? Do I have the right support? What should I be looking for in a provider?
Beyond getting those questions answered, one of the most important things an expectant mother can do is build a care team she trusts. For Black women, that support is not just important, it’s essential. Still, too often that care falls short, and the consequences can be serious.
The Black maternal health crisis has been ongoing for years, with many Black women reporting that their concerns are dismissed, their pain minimized, and their voices overlooked in clinical settings. While many patients hope to find providers who reflect their identities, Black OB-GYNS remain underrepresented, making that search more difficult. As a result, many patients turn to social media or their peers for guidance when they don’t feel supported by their providers.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 30%, or 1 in 3, Black women in the United States report experiencing mistreatment during maternity care. This can include not feeling listened to, having concerns ignored, or not being taken seriously. These experiences can make it difficult for patients to speak up, especially when they fear being labeled as difficult or going against medical advice. Over time, this can lead to complications, frustration, and ongoing mistrust in the health care system.
When it comes to navigating these challenges, Dr. Sharrón Manuel, MD, PhD, FACOG, Board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology Specialist at HRC Fertility, says one of the most important things patients can do is speak up early and often. “Don’t downplay what you’re feeling,” Manuel told EBONY. “If something doesn’t feel right, say it—and if it’s dismissed, say it again.”
Dr. Manuel notes that symptoms like persistent headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling, or bleeding are sometimes overlooked or not acted on quickly enough—despite the fact that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable.
While it’s normal to feel overwhelmed during pregnancy, that uncertainty can sometimes prevent patients from asking important questions in the moment. Looking back, many Black women say there are specific questions they wished they had asked, questions that could have led to earlier intervention, better care, or a stronger sense of control.
What Testing Should be Done After a Miscarriage?
What many forget or don’t take into account is that miscarriages are also about Black Maternal Health. Though it can be an uncomfortable and touchy conversation, it’s important to note the effects and protocol that go unnoticed for those who experience them. According to The Miscarriage Association, it has been identified that Black women have a 43% increased risk of miscarriage compared to white women
Cassandra Hill says she wishes she had asked, “What testing—beyond standard reproductive testing—can be done to determine the cause of a miscarriage?” After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, Cassandra was later diagnosed with lupus. She believes that asking for more comprehensive testing earlier could have helped identify the condition sooner.
Are Support Groups Available for Those Who Have Experienced Miscarriage?
Having community in all eras of pregnancy is deeply important. Hill shared she would have liked to ask about emotional support resources, particularly for Black women navigating pregnancy loss. She shared that she had been pregnant five times, and each pregnancy ended in a miscarriage—including one with twins, which came with additional health complications.
Throughout her experience, she felt her concerns were not fully addressed by her providers. In retrospect, she believes that access to a support group could have helped her feel less alone during such a difficult time. According to the National Library of Medicine, maternal support groups and social support are crucial, as lack of support affects up to 20% of mothers and increases the risk of depression.
When Should I be Referred to a High-Risk Specialist?
Leah Frazier experienced complications during her pregnancy and gave birth to her son at 20 weeks. When she thinks back on that moment, she believes she would have asked her provider when to involve a high-risk specialist and what additional support should have been in place.
“I relied solely on the advice of my primary doctor, who failed to refer me to a high-risk specialist,” she said. “I truly believe that if I had been referred earlier, my son would be here today.” Leah also emphasized the importance of having a broader care team, including advocates like doulas, especially for women over 40 or those experiencing complications such as high blood pressure.
Dr. Manuel says questions like Frazier’s are critical not just for understanding care but also for ensuring patients are active participants in their treatments. “What could be causing these symptoms? What should I be watching for? What are my options?” she says. “If you’re leaving an appointment confused, that’s a problem—you deserve clear explanations and to be a part of the decision-making process.”
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During both of her pregnancies, Lawton was prescribed multiple medications to manage severe, pregnancy-induced migraines, along with complications like elevated blood pressure. Years later, she still reflects on those experiences, particularly as her youngest son was later diagnosed with autism.
As she reflects, she says she would have asked more detailed questions about the potential long-term effects of medications used during pregnancy. “Could the medications I was prescribed have contributed to my child’s condition?” she wonders.
Although not all outcomes can be directly linked, questions like these highlight the importance of understanding risks, alternatives, and long-term considerations when managing conditions during pregnancy.
Why Asking Questions Matters?
While every pregnancy is different, asking questions is essential, regardless of what you’ve read online or what others have experienced. Understanding your body and your pregnancy can help you feel more confident and in control. Asking questions isn’t about being difficult; it’s about protecting your health. It’s a powerful step toward safer, more supported care.