Blood Pressure Project

Black Maternal Health Week April 11 – 17

Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. See the Figure below. Every pregnancy-related death is tragic. Variations in quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, implicit bias, and social determinants of health contribute to the disparities. Support pregnant people in your life to reduce factors that contribute to pregnancy-related complications and death. Talk to a healthcare provider if anything doesn’t feel right. Know and seek immediate care if experiencing any urgent maternal warning signs like trouble breathing, chest pain or fast breathing rate, severe headache, and heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge. Manage chronic conditions or hypertension, diabetes, or depression that may arise during pregnancy. Pregnant or recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. IPH has the COVID-19 vaccine and booster available at 9053 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 313-309-9350 ext. 2 to make an appointment.

Most Pregnancy-Related Deaths are Preventable

About 700 people die in the United States every year during pregnancy or in the year after pregnancy. Most of these pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Another 50,000 people in the United States every year have labor and delivery outcomes with serious health consequences. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Pregnant or recently pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and influenza (flu). People with COVID-19 during pregnancy are also at increased risk for preterm birth and stillbirth. Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Managing hypertension, diabetes, or depression during pregnancy can help women have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Talk to a healthcare provider if anything does not feel right. The urgent maternal warning signs include trouble breathing, chest pain or fast breathing rate, severe headache, extreme swelling of hands or face, heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge, and overwhelming tiredness. See the Figure below. Seek immediate care or call 911 if you experience any urgent maternal warning signs. IPH has the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines available at 9053 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 313-309-9350 ext. 2 to make an appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccines Save Lives

COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. If you have COVID-19, you can spread the virus to others. Take these precautions to prevent spreading it to others: isolation, masking, and avoiding contact with people who are at high risk of getting very sick. Isolate and take precautions if you have or suspect you have COVID-19. See the Figure below. Call 911 if you or someone experience any of the following, trouble breathing, persistent pain in the chest, new confusion, and inability to wake or stay awake. CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages six months and older and boosters for everyone five years and older, if eligible. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. COVID-19 vaccination protects people from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. IPH has COVID-19 vaccine and booster available at 9053 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 313-309-9350 ext. 2 to make an appointment.

IPH has a Hypertension Control Program

116 million people in the United States have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg, or are taking medication for hypertension. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and pregnancy complications. Many people die each year in the United States from problems related to pregnancy or delivery complications. Preeclampsia is high blood pressure and signs of liver or kidney damage that occur in women after the 20th week of pregnancy. High blood pressure increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, eclampsia, stroke, and placental abruption. Monitor your blood pressure, eat a healthy diet, be physically active, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and take your medication as directed. IPH has a Hypertension Control program with a home self-monitoring blood pressure device. If you are interested in controlling your blood pressure, enroll in the Hypertension Control program today by calling 313 309 9350 ext. 2. IPH has the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines available at 9053 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 313-309-9350 ext. 2 to make an appointment.