Here’s what these black gynecologists want you to know before you get pregnant

Maternity care begins at conception, and three Black obstetrician-gynecologists sat down with ESSENCE to discuss what they want you to know before you begin your pregnancy.

For black women Statistics will be terrifying, especially considering that “over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable” and that “black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.” However, knowing and recognizing the warning signs and taking preventive measures can save lives, and Dr. Cooper, Ejiogu and Odunsi provide some useful tips about how to prepare your body before pregnancy.

Chidera C. Ejiogu, MD, is a Houston-based obstetrics specialist at UTHealth Houston and UT Physicians Women’s Centers. She told ESSENCE “[i]In preparing for pregnancy, a very powerful thing is that your mind and body are one of the best vehicle possible – this includes proper nutrition/supplementation, optimizing existing health conditions and stabilizing mental health.

Dr. Joy A. Cooper calls MSC myself “Olivia Pope of Ob-Gyn.” In addition to her medical practice as an OB-GYN based in Oakland, Cooper is the CEO and co-founder Care for Culture“a telemedicine startup that connects black women with black doctors.”

Dr. Cooper’s advice: “I say: start with the end in mind to maximize a beautiful, intended pregnancy,” and echoed Dr. Ejiogu’s comments on mental health. “We usually know our outer selves quite well, such as our wash day regimen or skin care regimen. But do you know your HDL? Your last smear results and when are you due for your next one? Your HbA1c? Your blood pressure range? This way you can get to know your inner glow, the flow and rhythm of blood lab tests and screenings.”

“For more inner glow, know your mental health. If you are under extreme stress or experiencing depression, talk to a therapist or other professional now so you can approach pregnancy as your best self and ensure you can best combat postpartum depression,” Dr. Cooper continued. “Turn these statistics upside down and ask your providers what you can do to improve your results. Make sure you choose a winning lineup. Black patients tend to do better with Black care teams. Place yours today.”

Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has practiced in quite a few states across the country, including Washington, Georgia, Florida, and now Illinois. Thanks to this diverse skilled experience, she has an understanding of what obstetric and gynecological care can and may appear to be for patients. He is enthusiastic about equitable health care, constructing trusting patient-provider relationships and improving processes that support continuity of care.

Dr. Odunsi emphasized that “[t]this disparity exists regardless of factors such as higher education and income. Preventing these effects starts with understanding the unique risks before you become pregnant.”

“Address your risk factors,” says Dr. Odunsi. “The leading reason behind death for Black women is complications from heart disease, including hypertension and preeclampsia. Check your blood pressure recurrently before, during and after pregnancy. You may even want to have a blood pressure monitor at home in case you experience symptoms.

For Dr. Odunsi, mental health can also be a top priority. He wants black women to[e]establish a relationship with a therapist or spiritual leader. It’s also protected to do low-impact exercises like walking and yoga. Additionally, taking a birthing class to learn what to expect during labor will help relieve some stress.”

Maternity care also doesn’t end with childbirth. As Dr. Odunsi notes, “The postpartum period is a critical moment that is commonly missed. Up to 45 percent of maternal deaths occur within the weeks after giving birth, when women are farther from medical care and regular support systems. If you are disconnected out of your child, losing interest or feeling hopeless, make certain to discuss this along with your provider.

Ultimately, starting a family could be a truly completely satisfied time…” Think of the bundle or bundles of joy which might be on the opposite side of all that’s manifesting. Happy preparations and procreation!” says Dr. Cooper.