June 21, 2023
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Even basic mental health intervention during pregnancy significantly reduces postpartum depression and anxiety -- meaning experts aren't necessarily needed to address this critical issue in under-served populations, new research suggests.
Pregnancy can be a source of fear and uncertainty, particularly for Black people. The prevalence of racial prejudice within the health care system, in addition to various other obstacles to good health, places us at a greater risk of experiencing life-threatening complications.
A lot of Black patients seek me out because I’m an OB/GYN who looks like them. But I can’t be there for everyone. So I’m hoping this article will help.
If you’re pregnant, hopefully everything will go smoothly. But some complications can put you and your baby at risk, including:
• High blood pressure during pregnancy, a.k.a. pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia
• Diabetes during pregnancy, a.k.a. gestational diabetes
• Bleeding — it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem, but it can be a sign of a miscarriage, placenta previa, placenta abruption, or hemorrhage after delivery
You’re at especially high risk if you’re:
• Older than 35
• In your first pregnancy
• Obese
• Pregnant within six months of having a baby
• Have a history of previous pregnancy complications
You need to know about these risks so you can get help if they happen. I encourage you to read each of the linked articles above.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it might not be anything serious. But just in case, tell your doctor as soon as possible if you’re having:
• Bad headache(s) that won’t go away
• Chest pain (more than just heartburn)
• Leg swelling that doesn’t improve overnight
• Blurry vision, which can be a sign of diabetes or preeclampsia
• Not feeling well for any reason
• A sudden, lasting decrease in your baby’s movement
• Pain under your right breast, which can signal preeclampsia
Don’t just try to tough it out. A lot of stillbirths, deaths, and near-deaths happen to folks who put off going the hospital. If something doesn’t feel right, call your doctor.
I recommend asking other parents who they’ve used and checking online reviews. If other people had a good experience with a particular doctor, there’s a decent chance you will, too.
If you’re not sure about something your doctor is telling you, get a second opinion. If two different providers are both saying the same thing, there’s a pretty good chance they’re right.
• What are the risks, benefits, and alternatives to what you’re recommending?
• What symptoms should I watch out for?
• What can I do to support my pregnancy, help prevent problems, and keep my baby as healthy as possible?
Always make sure you understand your options.
Start thinking about it in your second trimester. Who do you want there with you? What music do you want to hear? Do you want pain medication? What medical interventions are you open to and what would you like to avoid if possible?
Make sure your medical team is aware of your birth plan…and give them some advance notice. Have it written down or printed out. Review the details together before labor so you are all on the same page. Ask them to put it in your chart, so no matter who’s there on the big day, they’ll all know what it says.
But remember, childbirth can be unpredictable. Things don’t always go exactly as planned.
Independence Blue Cross also covers a nurse home visit, which is another checkpoint to make sure you and your baby are doing okay. And if anything feels “off,” any time over the whole next year , call your doctor’s office right away.
But postpartum depression isn’t something you should just ignore. It’s caused by hormonal changes in your body after you’ve had a baby. You deserve to get treatment for it, just like you would for any other health issue. That can provide the support you need to take good care of yourself and your child. So please tell your doctor right away.
You deserve the same chance for a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period as anyone else. That’s why I’m trying to give you the information you need to make the right decisions.
Trust your gut. Listen to your body. Get a good doctor on your side, and let them help you.
Independence Blue Cross members have access to resources that may also be helpful, including the Baby BluePrints® program, as well as Registered Nurse Health Coaches, who are available to members 24/7 by calling 1-800-ASK-BLUE (1-800-275-2583 TTY/TDD: 711).
This article was originally published on IBX Insights.
Kerry-Anne Perkins, DO, is a board-certified OBGYN who is clinically proficient in minimally
invasive surgery for treatment of diseases of the female reproductive tract.
She has comprehensive expertise in high-risk pregnancies and contraceptive
care.
Dr. Perkins received her bachelor of science degree from Temple University,
her master of science degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic
Medicine, and her executive master of business administration degree from
Saint Joseph’s University. Her medical doctorate degree was received from
PCOM as well.
In addition to her practices in medicine, she is a major in the United
States Army Reserves. Dr. Perkins has notable honors and awards for her
contributions to the medical research community. She is a member of the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of
Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical
Association, and American Osteopathic Association.
