The CDC says the Black maternal health crisis is a state of emergency. Black mothers in Missouri are three times as likely to die within a year of giving birth compared to white mothers, according to the state’s Department of Health & Senior Services.
Host Carol Daniel, Listen, St. Louis with Carol Daniel Nine PBS, discusses the issue and what can be done with WashU Medicine’s Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Dineo Khabele.
Advancements and Challenges in Black Maternal Health
Dr. Dineo Khabele, an OBGYN and gynecologic oncologist at WashU Medicine, has dedicated her career to advocating for improvements in women’s health. Her mission is to change the narrative for marginalized and black women, giving the community an opportunity to impact health care in the central United States profoundly. The healthcare issues faced by St. Louis, such as redlining, systemic racism, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare, are not unique and reflect broader national challenges.
WashU Medicine leads clinical trials in innovative therapies. Being a physician-scientist, Dr. Khabele not only treats patients but also researches new drugs and treatment methods in her laboratory. Her research is particularly focused on overcoming chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer, a disease often diagnosed at advanced stages.
Understanding the symptoms and seeking timely medical advice is critical. For example, abdominal bloating, early satiety, and altered bowel movements can be mistaken for other gastrointestinal issues but may signal ovarian cancer.
The discourse extends to broader systemic issues impacting black maternal health. Publicized stories like Kira Johnson’s, who died due to medical neglect during childbirth, highlight the urgent need for systemic change. While such tragic events are rare, the systemic biases and racial disparities in healthcare must be addressed.
Medical education now incorporates social determinants of health and cultural competencies, but widespread cultural change is slow. Training programs and curricula adjustments aim to enhance future healthcare providers’ understanding and sensitivity towards diverse patient populations.
The discussion about uterine fibroids further illustrates disparities. Black women are disproportionately affected, developing fibroids at younger ages and experiencing more severe symptoms. Although fibroids are non-cancerous growths, the symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, causing severe pain and bleeding and sometimes leading to complex medical situations.
Current treatments for fibroids range from medical therapies using hormonal treatments to surgical options like myomectomy or hysterectomy. Research into the causes and prevention of fibroids remains underfunded, highlighting the need for greater advocacy and investment in women’s health research.
Dr. Khabele also advocates for a comprehensive approach to care, including early prenatal care, developing a birth plan, considering the role of a doula, and extending postpartum care. These measures aim to ensure better outcomes and support for women during and after pregnancy.
WashU OBGYN, through its dedication to community health and innovative research, continues to strive towards eliminating disparities and improving overall healthcare for women, ultimately making a significant impact locally and nationally.