Access to Maternity Care in Arkansas
It’s important to consider how certain illnesses affect pregnant women or how they may result in unexpected complications during labor and delivery. These complications can have significant consequences for a woman’s health. A lack of facilities in Arkansas that have the ability to care for pregnant women can impact healthy outcomes. In fact, 37 counties in Arkansas are in "maternity care deserts." These are counties without hospitals or staff that can provide obstetric care. Four additional counties in Arkansas were classified as having "low access" to maternity care services. Additionally, Arkansas has the second-highest percentage of teen births in the country. Many of these new mothers might not have access to prenatal or post-natal care and may not know where to get it. Prenatal care is most effective when it starts early, even before pregnancy, and continues through birth and beyond. It can lessen the likelihood of having or developing health conditions by assisting in the prevention and treatment of health issues in both mothers and infants. In the US all women are facing a maternal health crisis, but it is mainly affecting BIPOC women. American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black women in Arkansas are roughly two to three times more likely than white women to die from a pregnancy-related reason, making this a problem that disproportionately affects these marginalized communities. In addition to having a higher risk of pregnancy-related illnesses and deaths, women of color are also grappling with biases that endanger their own health and wellness.Taking Charge of Your Pregnancy
Most pregnancy-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, and while it takes a team to make sure your pregnancy and birth go smoothly, here are a few ways to help you feel in charge of your health.- Addressing Health Conditions – Being aware of any health issues you have had prior to pregnancy and knowing illnesses that run in the family is an important conversation to have with your doctor. Frequent prenatal visits will help with identifying these conditions and treating or managing them.
- Physical Activity – Women who engage in moderate physical activity during pregnancy find numerous benefits, including a lower risk of gestational diabetes and postpartum depression – which is estimated to affect one in seven women. Furthermore, physical activity during the postpartum period can boost a woman's general health.
- Join/Create Groups – Joining support groups (or starting one if there are none available to you) allows moms to share ideas for coping with the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood, and helps mothers engage with a role that may be new to them.