MACON, Ga., April 11, 2024 – In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, celebrated nationally April 11-17, Atrium
Health Navicent encourages the community to learn about the maternal health disparities that disproportionately affect Black women in Georgia, and ways to combat those disparities. Georgia has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, and due to a number of factors, black women in our state are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
Atrium Health Navicent is helping spread the word about the CDC’s “Hear Her” campaign which supports efforts to prevent pregnancy-related deaths by sharing life-saving messages about urgent maternal health warning signs during and
after pregnancy. In addition to increasing awareness of serous pregnancy-related complications and warning signs, the campaign seeks to improve communication between patients and their health care providers and to empower pregnant
women and postpartum mothers to speak up about their concerns.
“Women know their bodies best and should be supported as they speak up if something doesn’t seem quite right,” said Atrium Health Navicent Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrice Walker, who is also an OB/GYN. “We’re a first world country with third world statistics. Everyone has the ability to make a difference – friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, emergency medical personnel, doctors, nurses and more. “We must truly listen to pregnant women and encourage them to speak up
about their health. Paying attention and acting quickly could help save the life of someone you love.”
Maternal Warning Signs and Symptoms
Pregnant and post-partum women, and their loved ones, should be aware of certain signs and symptoms during pregnancy and in the year after delivery that could indicate a life-threatening situation:
• Headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time
• Dizziness or fainting
• Changes in your vision
• Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
• Extreme swelling of your hands or face
• Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
• Trouble breathing.
• Chest pain or fast-beating heart
• Severe nausea and constant throwing up
• Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
• Baby’s movement stopping or slowing during pregnancy
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge during or after pregnancy
• Severe swelling, redness or pain of your leg or arm
• Sudden, overwhelming tiredness
Partners, friends, family and co-workers are encouraged to really listen when a pregnant woman says something in her
body doesn’t feel right. Physicians are urged to provide tools for pregnant and postpartum women to better engage in lifesaving conversations.
Atrium Health Navicent Women’s Care provides care for women at every stage of life from routine exams and maternity
care to treatment of gynecologic conditions. To schedule an appointment, call 478-633-1821.,
