Nurses, Ultrasounds, Breastfeeding, Check-Ups: to many, these terms encompass the joyous medical visits associated with having a baby. However, to others, these words represent the increased stress and overbearing financial burden placed upon the mother, her family, and her future child.
General health and prenatal care are essential components of ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Adequate education and preventative practices in new mothers results in “healthier babies, better deliveries, and a decrease in other serious problems related to pregnancy and health care costs” (Zelazny). Clinicians recommend that women schedule their “first [medical] visit as soon as they realize that they might be pregnant” (Child Health USA). Yet in 2010, “17.2 …show more content…
However, the question lies in what about this group makes them labeled as such. Vulnerable groups are defined as populations where individuals are “susceptible to poor health” (Gregory and Leiyu 2). This may include the “disadvantaged, underprivileged, medically underserved, and poverty stricken…” (Gregory and Leiyu 3). Factors such as race, education, physical capabilities, and financial resources all play a large part in contributing to the well-being and health of these individuals (Gregory and Leiyu 3). Many racial and ethnic minorities are placed under “vulnerable populations” as they are “disproportionately distributed at the lower end of the socioeconomic ladder”; they are “more likely to be uninsured, and have poorer health than white Americans” (Gregory and Leiyu …show more content…
The infant mortality rate (IMR) among black babies is “2.4 times higher than that of white infants” due to preterm birth (African-American Women). DC has the highest infant mortality rate for the black population compared to other states in the US. In 2012, the IMR in D.C. reached 7.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, nearing the nationwide infant mortality rate (6 deaths per 1,000 live births) (“Mortality Rate”; Gray). This alarming statistics signifies that there are physical, mental, and external factors that play-in during an African American women’s pregnancy. Studies have linked the increasing poor health status of these women with lack of proper prenatal care (Johnson 104). Thus, African American women from low income households are vulnerable because they require greater health needs and access to health
General health and prenatal care are essential components of ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Adequate education and preventative practices in new mothers results in “healthier babies, better deliveries, and a decrease in other serious problems related to pregnancy and health care costs” (Zelazny). Clinicians recommend that women schedule their “first [medical] visit as soon as they realize that they might be pregnant” (Child Health USA). Yet in 2010, “17.2 …show more content…
However, the question lies in what about this group makes them labeled as such. Vulnerable groups are defined as populations where individuals are “susceptible to poor health” (Gregory and Leiyu 2). This may include the “disadvantaged, underprivileged, medically underserved, and poverty stricken…” (Gregory and Leiyu 3). Factors such as race, education, physical capabilities, and financial resources all play a large part in contributing to the well-being and health of these individuals (Gregory and Leiyu 3). Many racial and ethnic minorities are placed under “vulnerable populations” as they are “disproportionately distributed at the lower end of the socioeconomic ladder”; they are “more likely to be uninsured, and have poorer health than white Americans” (Gregory and Leiyu …show more content…
The infant mortality rate (IMR) among black babies is “2.4 times higher than that of white infants” due to preterm birth (African-American Women). DC has the highest infant mortality rate for the black population compared to other states in the US. In 2012, the IMR in D.C. reached 7.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, nearing the nationwide infant mortality rate (6 deaths per 1,000 live births) (“Mortality Rate”; Gray). This alarming statistics signifies that there are physical, mental, and external factors that play-in during an African American women’s pregnancy. Studies have linked the increasing poor health status of these women with lack of proper prenatal care (Johnson 104). Thus, African American women from low income households are vulnerable because they require greater health needs and access to health