“I just want us to be heard”: A qualitative study of perinatal experiences among women of color

Abstract

Objectives: Long-standing racial disparities, particularly between White and Black women, in maternal and birth outcomes necessitate an examination of the factors influencing these disparities. This study aimed to understand the experiences of women of color as they relate to pregnancy and/or birth complications to inform policy and strategy to decrease racial and ethnic health disparities. Methods: Six focus groups were conducted with women ( n = 31) who were identified as a woman of color, were 18 years or older, self-identified as having experienced pregnancy or birth complications after 2016, and who spoke English. A focus group guide co-created with the research team, community partners, and peer researchers from the local community was utilized to elicit discussions related to barriers, successes, and existing opportunities to provide equitable care and services to families throughout the perinatal period. An inductive and iterative approach to qualitative analyses of the focus group transcripts was used to identify key themes. Results: The seven themes identified include: lack of knowledge, mental health, communication with providers, support systems, representation, social determinants of health, and discrimination and stigma. Women shared a variety of experiences related to their health care from before pregnancy into their post-partum period, revealing many areas for improvement to extant systems. Conclusion: The inclusion of voices of the populations most deeply affected by health disparities is crucial to understanding how care and services provided can be improved. This analysis suggests the need for change at multiple levels of the health care and social services systems. These experiences provide valuable insight into some of the many struggles and barriers that women of color face during pregnancy and beyond.

Communication Between Pregnant People of Color and Prenatal Care Providers in the United States: An Integrative Review

“…One study described the experiences of Indigenous/American Indian participants 32 . Ten studies described the experiences of individuals from a range of diverse racial and ethnic groups 26,31,34–36,39,45,46,48,49 . Two studies described the experiences of majority immigrant individuals, 35,48 and 5 studies described the experiences of one racial or ethnic group: Korean, 37 Marshallese, 42 Mexican, 27 Mongolian, 44 and Somali 41 participants.…”

“…27,28,33,35,36,39,43,45,46 Participants consistently described wanting personalized, direct, and thorough explanations and to feel that prenatal care providers were friendly and empathetic. 27,28,33,35,36,39,43 In addition, participants identified the following desired provider behaviors: asking questions and giving time to ask questions, 28,33,35,36,43 making eye contact, 28,33,46 being friendly through actions such as making small talk and creating a relaxed environment, 27,29,35 smiling, 27,28,33 greeting pregnant people properly, 27,28 and being patient. 28,45 In contrast, participants in 9 studies described…”

Practical Guidance for the Development of Rosie, a Health Education Question-and-Answer Chatbot for New Mothers

“…In addition, women can feel they do not have adequate time with or access to providers 8–10. They also worry about bothering the providers with or being judged for their questions 7,11,12. As a result, many turn to the Internet for knowledge and reassurance during pregnancy and their child's infancy 8,13,14.…”

“…[3][4][5][6] Lack of straightforward, medically accurate information during pregnancy and postpartum can be particularly challenging for women of color whose concerns are frequently dismissed by providers, making it difficult to self-advocate as a patient. 7 In addition, women can feel they do not have adequate time with or access to providers. [8][9][10] They also worry about bothering the providers with or being judged for their questions.…”

“…[8][9][10] They also worry about bothering the providers with or being judged for their questions. 7,11,12 As a result, many turn to the Internet for knowledge and reassurance during pregnancy and their child's infancy. 8,13,14 Frequently searched topics include breastfeeding, tongue-lip ties, infant health issues, and things they are uncomfortable talking to the provider about, such as postpartum depression and sex.…”