Running head: PREGNANCY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE

Pregnancy in African American Culture

NURS 320
March 4, 2014

PREGNANCY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE

Pregnancy in African American Culture

The African American culture should not be generalized into a single group, though they
share many similar traditions (B. Hart, personal communication, February 4, 2014). They are a
diverse group that has migrated from two primary locations, Sub Sahara Africa and the
Caribbean (CDC, 2014). The U.S. population estimates they make up 14% of the population or
44.5 million people.
Pregnancy is considered a state of well being (B. Hart, personal communication,
February 4, 2014). Babies are considered a blessing from God and often the elders will speak a
prophecy over the mothers womb. There is always a special meaning to a babys name, and an
inspiring story of how that name was chosen.
Pregnancy Risks
Unfortunately high risks have been documented with African American health.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, African Americans are four
times more likely to die of complications related to pregnancy (2010). A possible cause could be
they are two times more likely not to seek prenatal care. Infants are affected with a 2.4 times
higher mortality rate (CDC, 2011), 1.5 times higher incidence of preterm birth, and the lowest
rate of breastfeeding in the U.S. (Lipson & Dibble, 2005). They also have the second highest
teen pregnancy rate (CDC, 2011). A strong correlation of proper health care and education level
is documented, which has a direct effect on positive outcomes (Lipson, & Dibble, 2008).
Pregnancy
There is a general consensus among African Americans that they receive sub-par
medical care, even when access to medical care is available (Black Womens Health Imperative,
2010). Many have stories of being devalued or having their needs ignored (Robinson, J., 2001).

PREGNANCY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE

Also, it is normal in the culture to seek advice from maternal relatives. New moms are often
heard saying my momma raised me and knew what to do. This all contributes to the lack of
prenatal care. A doctor is thought to be needed only when a person is sick (B. Hart, personal
communication, February 4, 2014). Also pregnancy is thought of as a natural process, so
interventions are unnecessary.
Some African American culture that is related to pregnancy is not to engage in sex after
the sixth month (B. Hart, personal communication, February 4, 2014). It is believed that sex will
harm the baby. Mothers are allowed to eat whatever they desire, though the kind of food eaten
most is said to influence the type of child one will have. If a pregnant mom craves spicy foods,
she will have a moody and/or smart child. If she craves bland or cold food, her child will be
calm or curious. And if she craves unusual combinations or exotic food, her baby will be
adventurous and inventive. Some women practice pica or geophagy. Pica is the eating or
craving of non-food items such as baking soda or clay. This started in Africa, as slaves thought
it contributed to a healthy mother and baby (Lipson, & Dibble, 2008). It is now considered an
eating disorder.
Labor
African Americans prefer a vaginal delivery (Lipson, & Dibble, 2008). They are often
loud and verbally expressive. Emoting or theatrical expression is common during labor. The
placenta is important as it is considered a spiritual home (B. Hart, personal communication,
February 4, 2014). It is cared for with respect. Many African cultures bury the placenta at the
home or under a tree (Robinson, 2001). They believe an uncared for placenta can affect the
baby's mood or even make the baby ill throughout his life.

PREGNANCY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE

Postpartum
A new mothers duty is only to feed the baby (B. Hart, personal communication,
February 4, 2014). Other family members will care for the home and her needs, since vaginal
bleeding is seen as a sign of sickness during the postpartum period. Tub baths, showers, and hair
washing are prohibited until the bleeding stops. Sponge baths are an acceptable alternative
(Lipson, & Dibble, 2008).
Many new mothers choose to bottle feed because breastfeeding is viewed as
embarrassing and demeaning. Only 20% will breastfeed their baby, since it is associated with
the uneducated, poor, drug addicts, and wet nurses (Allers, K., 2012).
Newborns
A macrosomia baby or fat baby is considered healthy, a good eater, and will be a
strong hard worker (B. Hart, personal communication, February 4, 2014). Always put baby oil
or Vaseline on the skin after a bath to keep their skin shiny and healthy. It is important to save
the newborns umbilical cord when it falls off. And dont cut the babys hair before their first
birthday, or bad luck will come.
Nursing Implications
Some important nursing implications regarding the care of pregnant African American
women are they often prefer a female clinician (Lipson, & Dibble, 2008). Also be sure to
provide privacy during any type of toileting procedure. Postpartum depression will often be
masked and reported instead as being fatigued. And last directly notify the parents of any
problem, known or suspected, of the baby to facilitate trust. These facts and information will
help nurses deliver culturally sensitive care to expectant mothers during their important and
exciting time of need.

PREGNANCY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE

Reference
Abbyad, C. & Robertson, T.R. (2011). African american womens preparation for childbirth
from the perspective of african american health-care providers. The Journal of Perinatal
education, (20)1, 45-53. doi: 10.1891/1058-1243.20.1.45
African American Registry (2013). Soul food, a brief history! Retrieved from
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/soul-food-brief-history
Allers, K. (March 20, 2012). Retelling the black breastfeeding story. Retrieved from
http://www.foodandcommunityfellows.org/blog/2012/retelling-the-black-breastfeeding-story
Black Womens Health Imperative (April 27, 2010). Black women three times more likely to
die in childbirth. Retrieved from
http://www.blackwomenshealth.org/index.php?category=Women+Health+News&refno=80&
src=news&srctype=detail
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (July 25, 2012). CDC newsroom african
american media resource. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/resources/aaresource.htm
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (February 10, 2014). Minority health black or
african american populations. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/minorityhealth/populations/remp/black.html
Lipson, J., & Dibble, S. (2008). Culture & clinical care. San Francisco: USCF Nursing Press.
Robinson, J. (2001). Pride and joy: african-american baby celebrations. Collingdale, PA