Could Simple Words Like Calm Down Lead To Postpartum Hypertension? New Research Says Yes (Image Credits: iStock)
The seemingly simple phrase "calm down" may be more damaging than expected, especially for new mothers of colour. A recent study published in the journal Hypertension shows how microaggressions, including this phrase, can significantly elevate blood pressure, potentially jeopardizing maternal health.
Researchers have found that women of colour who experience gender-based racism through microaggressions during pregnancy and postpartum care face notable increases in blood pressure compared to those who do not encounter such remarks. These effects are further amplified for women living in areas with high levels of structural racism.
“It is well-known that Black, Hispanic, and South Asian women experience microaggressions during health care. It is not as well known whether these microaggressions may have an association with higher blood pressure,” said lead researcher Teresa Janevic, an associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
The study, conducted across four hospitals in Philadelphia and New York City, surveyed nearly 400 women of colour aged 16 to 46. Of the participants, 43 per cent were between the ages of 20 and 29. The researchers asked the women about the microaggressions they encountered during pregnancy care. Examples included being disrespected, being told to “calm down,” or being accused of anger when speaking assertively.
The findings were alarming: nearly 38% of the women reported at least one instance of microaggression during their care. Those who experienced such instances had blood pressure readings that were significantly higher—2.12 points for systolic (pressure during a heartbeat) and 1.43 points for diastolic (pressure between heartbeats).
For women residing in areas marked by structural racism, the differences were even more stark. Their systolic blood pressure readings were 7.55 points higher, while diastolic readings were 6.03 points higher. These elevated levels could place them at greater risk of hypertension and related complications.
Dr Natalie Cameron, an instructor in preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasized the significance of these findings: “For many people, this can make the difference between needing blood pressure-lowering medications or not.”
The study underscores the long-term health consequences of racism and microaggressions on maternal health. “The magnitude of these types of physiologic changes may become cumulative over time and lead to the inequities we see in many health outcomes,” noted senior researcher Dr Lisa Levine, director of the Pregnancy and Heart Disease Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Researchers advocate for further studies to better understand the interplay between racism, blood pressure, and its impact on both mothers and their infants. Addressing these systemic issues could be key to improving health outcomes and reducing disparities in maternal care.
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