Pregnant While Black: 7 Ways to Advocate for Your Health and Be Heard
Pregnancy should be a time of joy and connection, but for many Black women, it comes with additional layers of fear and frustration. The truth is, Black pregnant women in the U.S. are more likely to face complications, not because of biology, but because of systemic inequities and bias in healthcare.
Studies show that:
Black women are nearly 3x more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women (CDC).
Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth are more likely to go unrecognized or undertreated in Black women.
Many Black women report that their pain or concerns were dismissed during pregnancy or labor.
These aren’t just statistics, they’re real experiences. That’s why self-advocacy isn’t just helpful for Black mothers; in many cases, it’s essential.
At Enrich Health, we believe that Black women deserve more than survival; they deserve empowered, supported, and informed maternal care.
Here are seven key ways to advocate for yourself throughout your pregnancy journey:
Choose Care That Comes With Community
Did you know that studies show women who receive their prenatal care in groups experience a significant reduction in preterm birth, an increased likelihood of breastfeeding, a higher chance of having a vaginal birth, and greater satisfaction with their care?
Group care gives you the community...
Pregnancy is emotional, especially when navigating a system that hasn’t always served Black women well. Having trusted people around you — both personally and professionally — can make a big difference.
Consider:
Bringing a friend, partner, or family member to appointments
Working with a doula or birth advocate to help navigate decisions
Finding practices like Enrich Health that offer group care, along with in-person and virtual support groups created specifically for Black moms
2. Trust Your Voice and Speak Up
If something feels off, it probably is. You know your body better than anyone else, and your concerns are valid, even if they don’t fit neatly into a checklist.
Speak clearly and confidently. Use direct phrases like:
“I’m concerned about this symptom and would like it checked.”
“Can you explain why this is happening?”
“I don’t feel right, I need more information before we move forward.”
If you feel unheard, repeat yourself. You are not overreacting; you are protecting your health.
3. Know Your Risks and Ask the Right Questions
Being informed is one of the most powerful forms of advocacy. Certain pregnancy complications disproportionately affect Black women, including:
High blood pressure and preeclampsia
Preterm labor
Postpartum hemorrhage
Gestational diabetes
Ask your provider:
“Am I at risk for any of these conditions?”
“What are the warning signs I should look for?”
“How often will I be monitored, and what does that look like?”
Knowing what to expect helps you prepare, and it makes it easier to recognize when something isn’t right.
4. Choose a Provider Who Listens to You
Not every OB/GYN or midwife will be a good fit, and that’s okay. The right provider should:
Take your concerns seriously
Explain things without rushing
Ask for your input in decision-making
Make you feel safe, respected, and understood
You can ask:
“What’s your experience with caring for Black women?”
“How do you ensure your care is culturally competent?”
“What happens if I don’t feel heard during an appointment?”
Your care should never feel dismissive or transactional. If it does, it may be time to consider switching providers.
5. Keep Track of Symptoms, Appointments, and Concerns
Documentation is your friend.
Write down any symptoms, concerns, or questions before each visit. After appointments, jot down what was discussed, what follow-ups are needed, and how you felt about the interaction.
If something doesn’t sit right with you, having a written record helps you follow up, escalate concerns, or seek a second opinion with confidence.
6. Understand Your Rights in the Exam Room
You have the right to:
Ask questions and receive clear answers
Decline or delay medical interventions
Request more time or a second opinion
Be treated with respect, always
Being assertive is not being difficult; it’s being informed. You can say:
“Can you walk me through all the options available to me?”
“I’m not comfortable with this yet. Can we discuss alternatives?”
“I’d like a few minutes to think before we proceed.”
If your provider cannot meet you with patience and respect, that is not your fault.
7. Advocate for Change — But Know It’s Not Your Job to Fix the System
Black women should not have to carry the burden of fixing a broken system while also navigating pregnancy. Still, every time you speak up, ask a question, or seek a better experience, you are pushing for change and setting a precedent for others.
You are not just a patient. You are a person with a voice, a story, and the right to excellent care.
Conclusion: You Deserve More Than Survival, You Deserve To Thrive!
Being pregnant while Black should not require navigating bias, advocating endlessly, or preparing for the worst. But until the system changes, your voice remains one of your most powerful tools. It’s not fair that you need to advocate this hard, but it is necessary in today’s healthcare environment.
At Enrich Health, we are committed to changing that experience. We center our care around education, equity, community, and compassion, creating a model that sees Black women not as statistics but as individuals deserving of support and trust.
You should never have to prove your pain, justify your feelings, or fight to be heard. You deserve care that listens the first time. Care that honors your instincts. And care that reflects your worth.
If you're currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or recovering from birth, we see you. We're with you. And we're working to make sure your next step feels safer, stronger, and more supported.