If you are pregnant, or hoping to be, the headlines about maternal deaths can be frightening to read. Many women are asking the same quiet question: will I be safe?
In the UK, maternal mortality is now around 20% higher than it was fifteen years ago, and the risk is unequal. Black women are almost three times more likely to die in pregnancy or the year after birth than White women. The gap is narrowing, but are things truly improving for Black and brown women, or are outcomes getting worse for everyone?
My guest is Dr Jacqueline Bamfo, consultant obstetrician and maternal fetal medicine specialist. We talk about what is driving these figures, the conditions to know, the warning signs to act on, and practical ways to make sure your voice is heard before, during and after pregnancy.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
02:39 Why are maternal deaths rising?
04:31 The appointment before the pregnancy
07:26 The gap after the six-week check
11:01 Why the risk is not equally shared
13:23 Inside a stretched system
18:28 Blood clots, blood pressure and pre-eclampsia
23:37 How to be heard
28:08 Is the gap really narrowing?
29:27 Continuity of care, doulas and free birthing
36:54 Practical advice for every stage
RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
Tommy's (pregnancy information): https://www.tommys.org
Action on Pre-eclampsia: https://action-on-pre-eclampsia.org.uk
Preeclampsia Foundation: https://www.preeclampsia.org
Five X More: https://www.fivexmore.org
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net
Find A Helpline (crisis lines worldwide): https://findahelpline.com
Birthrights: https://www.birthrights.org.uk
Full show notes and resources: https://www.thewomanshandbook.com/
This episode is for general information and education only and does not constitute medical advice. Please speak to your own doctor, midwife or healthcare provider about your individual circumstances. If you are worried about your health or your baby's health, contact your maternity unit or seek urgent medical care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanshandbook.substack.com
