PETALS FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MATERNAL HEALTH - 

1.  I just found out that I am pregnant - should I be concerned about my baby's health?

• Infants born to women of color are more likely to be born too early and too small.  Therefore, as a woman who is pregnant, you should do everything you can to ensure that your baby has a healthy infancy.
  

2.  Lots of women I know have difficult pregnancies and deliveries.  Do these problems just run in families?

• In comparison to other races, Black babies are at the highest risk of experiencing infant mortality.  However, no genetic reason has been found to explain the direct causes.

3. My family and I have a good income and I'm getting prenatal care.  Will that improve my chances of having a healthy baby?

• Regardless of maternal age, education, income, or marital status, Black babies are at an increased risk of infant mortality.  However, receiving high quality prenatal care is an essential part of having a healthy baby. 
  

4.  Why are Black babies more likely to die in the first year of life?  The causes are not clear however researchers have identified some very important risk factors such as:

• A baby born at a low or very low birth weight (less than 5 1/2 pounds) is at greater risk.  Most low birth weight occurs because babies are born early.
• A particular kind of vaginal infection, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), increases a woman's risk of delivering early or losing a baby. BV is a common infection among women of childbearing age however Black women are at a greater risk.  It can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
• Stress has also been found to be a significant risk factor for preterm delivery.  Increased levels of mothers' psychosocial stress are related to preterm delivery and lower birth weight.
• Pressures in society can negatively affect a pregnant women.  In 1997 the New Jersey Blue Ribbon Panel on Black Infant Mortality Reduction found that racism, classism, and sexism are likely contributors to higher infant mortality rates among Blacks.
  

5.  What can I do for myself to stay healthy while I'm pregnant?

•  Identify a prenatal care provider that offers comprehensive prenatal care.  Comprehensive care should include medical management, nutrition counseling, prenatal education, and social support services.
• Choose a prenatal care setting that is supportive of you as an individual and is sensitive to your cultural background.
• Think about the people who you can turn to for support and lean on them for assistance during your pregnancy.
• Find ways to reduce the stress in your life.
  

6.  What can I do to help my baby be healthy?

• Start prenatal care early in a setting where you are comfortable, that way, any problems that may arise can be caught early, when interventions will make the most difference.
• Learn about good nutrition and other healthy lifestyles that will help your baby grow.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of preterm labor so you can seek help early if any of them occur.
• Contact the Black Infant Mortality Reduction Resource Center to locate class/programs in your area.
• Focus on the positive aspects of being pregnant and try to decrease the stress in you life.
  

The Black Infant Mortality Reduction Resource Center is made possible through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

 

 

 

 

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