It's Increasingly Difficult for Women to Find Prenatal Care in the U.S.: Care Deserts and Problematic Disparities

When it comes to having a baby, access to good prenatal care is essential for the health of both mother and child. But the struggle to find proper prenatal care in the United States has become increasingly difficult for pregnant women living in rural or low-income areas. From access barriers to financial woes, many are left without a source of quality care and information during one of the most critical periods of their lives. Unfortunately, even though caring for expecting mothers should be a priority, more and more women experience this problem, known as “care deserts,” each year. With poverty rates impacting minority communities disproportionately, it's sadly certain that these disparities will continue to exist in our society today. Read on to learn how to join the fight against problematic health inequities by understanding its root causes, the importance of prenatal care, and how to work towards solutions.

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What Are Care Deserts?

A care desert refers to an area with limited access to quality healthcare, leaving its residents without adequate medical attention, especially for women in need of prenatal care. In these areas, transportation barriers, a shortage of medical professionals, and a lack of healthcare infrastructure make it difficult for women to receive the care they need to maintain good health during pregnancy. The consequences can be dire, as women without proper prenatal care may face complications in their pregnancy that would be preventable with adequate medical attention.

Who is Most Affected by the Disparities?

Quality prenatal care is essential, and without it, the risk of complications is long such as low birth weight, preterm birth, or stillbirth. When it comes to prenatal care, low-income women or minorities face significant challenges in accessing the care they need. Mothers in rural areas often have a long way to travel to get medical care and cannot afford to miss work. The commute length forces some mothers to find housing in areas closer to medical facilities because otherwise, they would have to be airlifted to receive care.

The March of Dimes reported that one in four Native American babies, and one in six Black babies, were born in areas with limited or no access to maternity care services. This statistic is incredibly concerning because black women are three times more likely to suffer complications and die during childbirth. Their inability to receive adequate prenatal care can quickly become a life-or-death situation.

What to Do If You Are in a Care Desert

It can be stressful and overwhelming to find that you are living in a care desert, particularly if you're a woman in need of prenatal care. Not being able to receive medical attention in your area can be detrimental, but the struggle becomes even worse when factoring in the cost of healthcare. Women, in particular, cannot afford to miss work or sacrifice their income to receive care essential to their health. The key is staying proactive and researching alternative options, such as clinics or mobile health units. There may be resources available that you weren't aware of, so don't hesitate to reach out to your community and seek support. The March of Dimes is a great resource to utilize. If possible, talk to your employer about flexible scheduling or remote work options that allow you to make it to necessary appointments. The most important thing is to ensure that you are receiving the necessary care you need, no matter where you are located.

How Can Prenatal Care Be Improved

Prenatal care is crucial for ensuring pregnant women's and unborn babies' health. Expecting mothers require a variety of medical check-ups, tests, and interventions designed to monitor the progress of the pregnancy and prevent or address any complications that may arise. However, it is important to note that prenatal care is not a one-size-fits-all solution since women have different needs during pregnancy.

Despite its importance, access to quality prenatal care can be a challenge for many women. There are several ways to improve prenatal care, including increasing access to healthcare providers (including doulas), improving communication between providers and patients, and providing education and resources to help women navigate the sometimes-confusing landscape of prenatal care. By prioritizing prenatal care, raising awareness, and working to make it more accessible and patient-centered, we can help ensure that all women have the support and care they need during this critical time.

Find Online Prenatal Mental Health Support at LunaJoy

If you are expecting or are already a mother and need mental health support to help you navigate this time of life, LunaJoy is here for you. We specialize in maternal and reproductive mental health services. 

Contact us to schedule your first appointment, and let us help you transition into motherhood. With our convenient online therapy model, we’re available to you anywhere you are in Florida, Nebraska, Georgia, New York, Alaska, Illinois, North Carolina, California, or New Jersey.