Mommy Diaries: Entry 2

PRENATAL MENTAL HEALTH

Everyone shies away from talking about mental health care especially in the black community; it’s almost taboo. Then to be coupled with prenatal care you never hear of it! This is my second time being part of the (mama) community and never not once at any of my appointments did I ever hear a physician mention anything (not that I was getting the proper care to begin with, but again another entry for another time). When your pregnant hormones are raging, your mind wonders all over, and emotions are high! So why is it that when we need it most we can’t get the help we need? 

I mean statistics show that in total 7%-15% of the high income population, and 25% of the low income population, deal with some form of mental health issues. To break that down into simplest terms that’s 1 in 6 pregnant women. And studies show that dealing with mental health issues while pregnant could possibly led to preterm delivery, low birthweight, and infant growth issues. So why is it that we don’t hear physicians talk about it or advocate patients to speak up about it? Well I have a theory...