Why It Matters: The Importance of Addressing Worries During Pregnancy
A significant number of pregnant women hesitate to communicate their concerns and questions to their maternity care providers, which is a troubling revelation. It was found that nearly half of the surveyed women chose not to discuss their worries, primarily because they believed that their experiences were normal.
Other common reasons included fearing the magnification of a problem, feeling embarrassed to talk about it, being reassured by friends or family that it was a usual part of pregnancy, or apprehension about being perceived as a difficult patient.
Some women also refrained from expressing their concerns due to time constraints during appointments, uncertainty about the importance of their issues, or plain fear.
Background: Alarming Rise in Maternal Mortality Rates in the U.S.
Maternal mortality rates in the United States have witnessed a distressing surge, positioning the country amongst the highest in comparison to other developed nations. Although there was a temporary spike during the pandemic, an overall increase has been observed in recent years.
Black and Native American women face a notably higher risk. Their maternal mortality rates are two to three times higher than those of white and Hispanic women.
Shockingly, around 80 percent of these deaths are preventable according to various studies.
The survey conducted by the C.D.C. and Porter Novelli involved approximately 2,400 mothers with children aged 5 or older. Although not representing a nationally diverse sample of women giving birth, the findings still shed light on significant shortcomings in the care provided to pregnant women and those giving birth.
Towards Progress: Acknowledging the Patient’s Voice
Pregnant women should receive respectful healthcare, as it has a strong influence on positive outcomes, emphasized C.D.C. officials.
Dr. Wanda Barfield, the director of the agency’s division of reproductive health, stated, “If you consistently feel unheard and mistreated, you’ll be less likely to seek future treatment.” She added that nearly half of the women in the study seemed hesitant to seek help, which is concerning, especially for those at higher risk of life-threatening complications.
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