Black Maternal Mortality and Its Impact on Mental Health

Pregnancy is often described as one of the most beautiful and transformative experiences in a woman’s life. It is a time filled with hope, anticipation, and joy. But for many Black women in America, pregnancy is also fraught with fear, uncertainty, and an alarming risk of mortality. The United States has one of the highest maternal death rates among developed nations, and Black women are disproportionately affected. The impact of this crisis extends far beyond physical health—it deeply affects mental health, creating lasting trauma, anxiety, and depression for mothers and their families.

My Personal Journey

At 33, I was pregnant with my son, a child my husband and I had fought hard to conceive. We were overjoyed, ready to embrace this new chapter of our lives. Never did I imagine that the process of bringing him into the world could have cost me my life.

At 29 weeks, I experienced a premature rupture of my membranes, leading to an urgent need to prolong my pregnancy as long as possible. The hospital staff fought alongside me to reach 34 weeks before delivering my son via a scheduled C-section. I remember the doctor’s words vividly—their struggle to stop my excessive bleeding, the concern in their eyes. I was one of the lucky ones. My son and I made it through, but far too many Black women do not survive childbirth.

After the birth of my son, I found myself struggling with cardiovascular health and having cerebrospinal fluid build-up, which required a spinal tap to remove the fluid.

The Stark Reality of Black Maternal Mortality

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This disparity is not due to biological differences but rather systemic racism in healthcare, implicit bias, and a lack of equitable access to high-quality medical care.

Common causes of maternal mortality among Black women include:

• Hemorrhage (excessive bleeding, as I personally experienced)

• Preeclampsia and eclampsia (high blood pressure conditions that can lead to strokes or seizures)

• Cardiovascular complications

• Infections and blood clots

• Delayed or inadequate medical response to symptoms reported by Black women

Despite advancements in medicine, these preventable deaths continue to rise. Many Black women report having their pain dismissed, their concerns ignored, and their symptoms downplayed, leading to fatal consequences.

The Psychological Toll of Near-Death Experiences in Childbirth

Surviving a traumatic birth experience can leave lasting scars—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Black women who endure life-threatening pregnancies and deliveries often face:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The fear and helplessness felt during a medical emergency can result in flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety.

• Postpartum Depression (PPD): The emotional toll of a complicated pregnancy, coupled with the pressures of new motherhood, increases the risk of developing PPD.

• Health Anxiety: Many women develop an overwhelming fear of future pregnancies or medical procedures, often avoiding necessary care out of distrust or fear.

• Generational Trauma: The knowledge that Black women have historically suffered medical mistreatment—from slavery to modern-day biases—adds another layer of distress.

Advocating for Change and Mental Wellness

The Black maternal mortality crisis is not just a medical issue—it is a mental health crisis as well. Addressing this issue requires systemic changes in healthcare, including:

• Implicit Bias Training for Medical Professionals: Ensuring that doctors and nurses recognize and address racial disparities in maternal care.

• Improved Access to Culturally Competent Care: Black women need providers who listen to them, validate their concerns, and provide equitable treatment.

• Community Support and Resources: More programs should focus on mental health support for Black mothers who have experienced traumatic births.

• Policy Changes: Legislative efforts must focus on improving maternal healthcare coverage, extending postpartum care, and funding research on Black maternal health disparities.

Finding Strength and Healing

While my experience was terrifying, I found strength in my survival and in the community of Black women who share similar stories. By sharing my journey, I hope to bring awareness to this crisis and encourage other women to advocate for their health. Mental health support, therapy, and safe spaces for Black mothers to process their trauma are essential in healing from these experiences.

If you or a loved one has experienced trauma related to childbirth, please know that your feelings are valid, and help is available. You deserve to be heard, to heal, and to thrive.

Let’s continue to fight for a future where Black women no longer have to fear for their lives while bringing new life into the world.