Racial discrimination has been a long-standing issue that has continued to affect many individuals of different races, including pregnant women.

Racism can manifest in various forms, such as verbal abuse, social exclusion, and institutionalized practices. These experiences of discrimination can result in stress and negative health outcomes for pregnant women, leading to developmental and birth complications for their children.

In this article, we will discuss the effects of racial discrimination on fetal development and birth outcomes.

Introduction

The experience of racism can contribute to maternal stress, which can negatively impact fetal development and subsequent birth outcomes. Stress is a natural physiological response that helps the body adapt to challenging situations.

However, if a pregnant woman experiences chronic or significant stress, it can lead to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can affect the fetus’s development and birth outcomes.

Racial Discrimination and Stress During Pregnancy

Racism during pregnancy can cause significant stress to a woman’s body.

In studies, researchers have found that encountering experiences of racial discrimination and prejudice can lead to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, that can affect fetal development. In fact, pregnant women who experience racial discrimination have been found to exhibit higher cortisol levels in their bloodstream as compared to those who have not experienced such discrimination.

Moreover, if a pregnant woman experiences racism during her pregnancy, it can lead to long-term effects on postnatal health outcomes.

Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight Babies

Pregnant women who face racial discrimination and stress can experience negative birth outcomes. Preterm birth and low birth weight babies are two of the primary negative outcomes related to stress during pregnancy.

Preterm birth is defined as babies born before 37 weeks of gestation, while low birth weight babies are those born with a birth weight of less than 2500 grams.

Studies have revealed that maternal stress can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight among infants.

Even among African American women with higher socioeconomic status, they experience a higher rate of preterm birth and low birth weight babies when exposed to racism. One study found that Black women who reported high levels of racial discrimination exhibited an increased risk of preterm birth, even after controlling for other factors such as age, medical history, and lifestyle behaviors.

Complications during and after birth

The effects of racism can also continue post-birth and can contribute to complications such as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and perinatal mortality.

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is a breathing disorder that affects premature babies, while perinatal mortality refers to the death of a baby shortly before, during, or after birth. Studies have shown a link between maternal stress and complications following birth, which can cause long-term health problems for the baby.

Prenatal Care and Infant Development

Maternal stress can also affect prenatal care and subsequent child development. Women experiencing racism during pregnancy are often less likely to seek prenatal care, which can result in higher rates of complications after birth.

This lack of prenatal care can also affect infant development, as it can lead to decreased child cognitive development and physical health.

Conclusion

The experience of racial discrimination can have detrimental effects on fetal development and subsequent birth outcomes. This is due to the physiological effects of stress and the increased risk of complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Given the negative outcomes associated with racism and stress, there is a need for better public health interventions aimed at reducing discrimination. Addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes is essential in improving overall public health and combating systemic racism.