Pregnancy care not one-size-fits-all as Black women face higher risks

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Pregnancy is not the same experience for all women. Studies show Black women are more likely to have pregnancy-related complications, and in some cases, they could even lead to death.

Among high income nations, the U.S. has the highest number of women dying in childbirth. Women of color bear the brunt of this. One mom says knowing this helped her make the right choices.

Four-month-old Kamryn is a healthy baby girl. Her mom Kandace Thomas says having a trusting relationship with her OB-GYN really helped.

"I went through that process of choosing someone who I felt would relate and would understand and I found that in Dr. Nelson," Thomas said.

However, this isn't always the case.

"A Black woman is three times more likely to die during childbirth or postpartum as compared to her non-Black counterpart," said Dr. Shanaeya Nelson of Kaiser Permanente South Bay.

Nelson says despite advancements in medical care, stark racial disparities in maternal health continue due lack of awareness, access to care and bias.

"There can be a known bias and there can be implicit bias where people don't even know what they're doing," Nelson said.

Studies show Black women are more likely to experience higher rates of complications such as postpartum bleeding, pre-eclampsia and blood clots.

"I had high blood pressure, and because of the conversations that we've had in office, she educated me about what those symptoms are, what to look out for," Thomas said.

Thomas said when she was looking for an OB-GYN, she wanted a clear picture of what her birth plan would look like.

A lot of the questions I had revolved around the delivery. Do I have the power to say yes or no to certain things if things don't go as planned?" Thomas said.

Nelson says it's important for a patient to speak up about her concerns or have someone with you who can.

"So having family, having friends, maybe even having a doula present for your delivery can be very helpful as well," Nelson said.

"Just advocate for yourself the best that you can, you know, whatever your concerns or needs are, just make sure you don't let anyone silence that," Thomas said.

Nelson says you should come in with a list of questions, and if you're not getting the answers you need, find another doctor.

Kaiser Permanente offers doulas covered by insurance. Also, L.A. County offers something called a Doula Hub, which is one way women can find assistance when considering using a doula. Read more about the program here.