Cambridge researchers find stress markers linked to black women's childbirth risks
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Apr 29
Cambridge researchers find stress markers linked to black women's childbirth risks
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 29
Summary
Reviewing 44 studies, the team found higher oxidative stress, inflammation and uteroplacental vascular resistance in black women, with first author Grace Amedor citing systemic racism and deprivation.
The peer-reviewed study in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism says these differences are not genetic and may raise risks of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and foetal growth restriction.
In the UK, black women are 2.7 times more likely to die in childbirth than white women, while black babies are twice as likely to be stillborn, prompting calls for cross-government action and maternity investment.