Black Maternal Health Week: Combatting Toxic Stress

Date: 04/11/23

This Black Maternal Health Week we want to shine a light on the experiences and health inequities experienced by Black women to acknowledge and affirm their pregnancy experience.

More and more groups are publicly acknowledging that racism is not only a public health issue. They are recognizing that it is a public health crisis.

Sadly, this fact probably doesn’t come as a surprise to many Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) who regularly experience various forms of racism on a regular basis. Racism is a source of toxic stress—prolonged, chronic stress that causes physical effects on the body over time. For pregnant Black women and Black mothers, these effects can also lead to worse pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Toxic stress, especially racism stress, affects the bodies of Black mothers and their babies.

What is toxic stress and how is it harmful?

Toxic stress happens when your body’s normal stress response lasts for an extended period of time or becomes permanent. Stress is your body’s reaction to different situations you encounter throughout life. These situations are called stressors.

Racism is a stressor that can directly impact your mental and emotional health.

How can pregnant Black women and Black mothers combat the effects of toxic stress?

There are ways to take care of your body and counteract some of the effects of toxic stress.

Here are several suggestions, including some recommended by the Anxiety and Depression Society of America (ADAA)

Surround yourself with people who you can go to for encouragement, support, and positivity. Make sure you are supported by people who will respect you, validate your experiences and feelings, and care for you.

Surround yourself with images and messages that reflect your cultural identity in a positive light. Since racism exists in all layers of society, it can be helpful to counter it with images and messages that positively represent your cultural identity. Reminding yourself of your beauty, worth, and value can help reduce stress.

Strengthen your body through physical activity and good nutrition. While you can’t control the toll toxic stress takes on your body, there are some aspects of your health you can influence. By staying physically active and eating a balanced diet with all the nutrients you need, you give your body and your baby the best chance at working against the negative influences of toxic stress.