The Alliance believes everyone deserves a fair chance to be healthy and supported during pregnancy. Here’s how you can support pregnant people in your life!
Why it’s important
According to the CDC, Black women face a higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
This isn’t because their bodies are different. This is linked to factors such as lower quality health care, existing health conditions, racism and unfair treatment. These challenges can make it harder for Black mothers to get the care and support they need to stay healthy.
Getting care early, noticing warning signs and having good support can help you stay healthy during pregnancy.
What you can do
Pregnant people and their families can:
- Talk to their doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
- Know and look out for urgent warning signs, such as:
- Strong headache.
- Swelling of hands or face or trouble breathing.
- Heavy bleeding or discharge.
- Feeling extremely tired.
- Share your pregnancy history during each doctor visit for up to a year after delivery.
- Connect with health care and support systems before, during and after pregnancy.
We’re here to help!
If you’re pregnant or just had a baby, the Alliance is here to help. Learn about our help for new mothers and caregivers.
Doula services
Did you know that if you are pregnant or had a baby within the last year, you can get help from a doula, at no cost?
A doula is a person who helps you before, during and after your baby is born. Doulas have special training and provide comfort, guidance, support and advocacy to help make sure your voice is heard. They are not nurses or doctors, but they work with them. Some doulas help you during a miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion.
Learn more about the doula benefit on our website.
Care team
If you are pregnant or have recently given birth (within the last 12 months), you can get help from our Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program! This program will help you during your pregnancy and the 12 months afterward.
When you join ECM, you will get a care team. You will have a lead care manager who will work with doctors, mental health providers, specialists, pharmacists and others to get you the care you need. Your lead care manager will connect you with community services. To learn more about this program, visit our website.
Prenatal and postpartum help
The Alliance’s Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies (HMHB) program helps pregnant women get early care and support during and after pregnancy. HMHB also offers education to support a healthy pregnancy.
Members in the HMHB program get calls from Alliance health educators who talk about things like pregnancy care, breastfeeding and parenting. They also give referrals to local resources, such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and free or low-cost community services.
