Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful journeys a woman can take, but for many Black women, it can also be filled with silent fears, unspoken struggles, and avoidable risks.
Antenatal visits are not just routine checkups, they are moments of care, reassurance, and empowerment. Antenatal care can make all the difference between worry and peace, between risk and safety.
For Black women who often face unique health disparities, stress, and systemic challenges, these visits are even more vital.
Every heartbeat, every scan, and every question answered is a step toward ensuring that both mother and baby thrive. It’s not just medical care, it’s a promise of protection, dignity, and hope.
Key Points:
- About Antenatal Care
- Why Should You Seek Antenatal Care?
- Benefits of Antenatal Care
- Important Safety Information
About Antenatal Care
From the 1600s until the middle of the 20th century, Black midwives were traditionally responsible for providing prenatal care for Black women (Robinson, 1984; Tunoc, 2010).
In the South, these midwives were frequently asked to help white women give birth, and they served as the main healthcare professionals for Black women (Tunc, 2010). In the 1900s, midwives attended around half of all births in the United States (Devitt, 1979). Midwives continued to attend more than half of all Black babies, and by 1935, they attended 12.5% of all births in the United States (Tandy, 1937).
The Sheppard-Towner Act of 1921, which led to broad control of Black midwives in the South, who at this time made up the highest number of active midwives, was the catalyst for the fall of midwifery among the Black community (Devitt, 1979; Tiffany, 1937).
Additionally, a movement to standardize medicine and eradicate lay healers began in 1948 and gathered steam around the time the American Medical Association (AMA) was established (Robinson, 1984).
During this time of change, more women began receiving prenatal care from doctors instead of midwives (Tunc, 2010).
This tendency, along with later restrictions under the Sheppard-Towner Act, led to the eventual disappearance of many Black midwives. By 1972, midwives attended barely 1% of all births in the United States (Devitt 1979).
The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) has reported that interest in midwifery-attended births is resurging. According to the 2014 ACNM study “CNM/CM-Attended Birth Statistics in the United States,” CNMs and CMs attended 12.1% of all vaginal deliveries in the country.
ACNM’s numbers do not reflect the practice of certified professional midwives, so the actual percentage of midwife assisted births may be slightly higher. Despite Black women’s significant heritage surrounding midwifery, the trend toward midwife-attended births today is higher among non-Hispanic White women.
In 2014, 11% of all White live births were attended by CNMs/CMs, whereas 8% of Black live births were attended by CNMs/CMs (HealthData.gov, 2014). This is a sharp contrast to the mid-1900s, when nearly 50% of all Black births were attended by midwives.
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Why Should You Seek Antenatal Care?
Antenatal care is critical for you as a pregnant lady. It helps to:
- Monitor your health and that of your baby. Identify and address pregnancy issues.
- Determine if you are at a higher risk of developing issues and offer focused management.
- Identify and treat any underlying ailment.
- Make the essential preparations for a successful delivery.
1. Monitor your health and that of your baby:
Regular antenatal visits allow your healthcare provider to keep a close eye on how you and your baby are doing. From checking your blood pressure and weight to monitoring the baby’s heartbeat and growth, these checkups ensure that everything is progressing safely and normally.
2. Identify and address pregnancy issues early:
Some pregnancy complications, like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or anemia, can develop quietly. Antenatal care helps to detect these issues early so that they can be properly managed before they become serious.
3. Determine if you are at higher risk and offer focused management:
Every woman’s pregnancy is different. Antenatal visits help doctors identify if you’re at a higher risk due to factors like age, previous pregnancy experiences, or medical conditions—and then provide the right care and attention tailored to your needs.
4. Identify and treat any underlying ailment:
Sometimes, infections or health conditions such as malaria, urinary tract infections, or sexually transmitted infections can affect pregnancy. Regular antenatal care ensures these are found and treated promptly to protect both you and your baby.
5. Make the essential preparations for a successful delivery:
Antenatal care also helps you get physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for childbirth. You’ll receive guidance on birth plans, nutrition, exercise, and breastfeeding—ensuring that when your time comes, you’re confident and well-prepared for a safe delivery.
Benefits of Antenatal Care
Antenatal care has several benefits. They include:
- Close collaboration and assistance from healthcare personnel
- Improved comprehension of the pregnant journey
- Pregnancy safety tips
- Education on the types of food and medications to take when pregnant
- Education on how to prepare for labor and childcare
- Early diagnosis and management of complications
- Better health for you and your kid.
1. Close collaboration and assistance from healthcare personnel:
During antenatal visits, you build a strong and supportive relationship with your healthcare team. They are there to guide you, answer your questions, and provide reassurance whenever you need it. This partnership helps you feel cared for and confident throughout your pregnancy.
2. Improved comprehension of the pregnancy journey:
Antenatal care helps you understand what is happening to your body and your baby at every stage. You’ll learn how to recognize normal changes and when to seek help, making your pregnancy experience more comfortable and informed.
3. Pregnancy safety tips:
You’ll receive valuable advice on what to do—and what to avoid—to keep yourself and your baby safe. This includes guidance on rest, exercise, hygiene, and lifestyle habits that promote a healthy pregnancy.
4. Education on the types of food and medications to take when pregnant:
Your healthcare provider will teach you about nutritious foods that support your baby’s growth and which medications or supplements are safe to use. This helps you stay strong and reduces the risk of complications.
5. Education on how to prepare for labor and childcare:
Antenatal care prepares you physically and mentally for childbirth. You’ll learn what to expect during labor, how to manage pain, and how to care for your newborn—so you can step into motherhood with confidence.
6. Early diagnosis and management of complications:
Regular checkups help detect any health issues early, such as high blood pressure, infections, or gestational diabetes. When found early, these can be treated quickly to protect both you and your baby.
7. Better health for you and your baby:
With consistent antenatal care, you’re giving yourself and your child the gift of good health. It reduces pregnancy risks, increases the chances of a safe delivery, and ensures your baby is born healthy and strong.
Important Safety Information
Mylurah is a safe space for African women to track their bodies, understand their health, and feel seen.
At ‘‘Mylurah,” your health, privacy, and safety come first. Our platform provides tools and resources to help African women track their bodies, understand hormonal changes, and recognize symptoms.
We also prioritize your data security. Every piece of information you share with Mylurah is confidential and protected.
We encourage you to use our resources responsibly, stay aware of your body’s signals, and never hesitate to seek medical help when something doesn’t feel right.
In Conclusion
Every pregnancy deserves care, attention, and love especially yours. Antenatal care isn’t just about hospital visits or medical tests; it’s about protecting your journey into motherhood.
For Black women, it is an act of strength and self-worth in a world where our voices and health are often overlooked. Each visit, each checkup, and each conversation with your healthcare provider builds a bridge of safety for both you and your baby.
By prioritizing antenatal care, you are choosing wellness, confidence, and a future where you and your child thrive. Remember, caring for yourself is the first gift you give your baby and you deserve every bit of that care.
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