Black Maternal Health in the UK: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

23. September 2025

Becoming a mum is one of the biggest journeys of your life. It should be safe, supported, and filled with care. But in the UK, research continues to show that Black women are almost three times more likely to die during pregnancy, birth, or in the year after, compared to white women. That’s a hard and frightening truth, and it’s why conversations like this are so important.

This doesn’t mean you should feel powerless. Knowledge is a form of protection and by knowing the risks, warning signs, and your rights, you can take steps to make sure you’re heard and supported.

Why Black women face higher risks

The reasons aren’t about biology, they’re about current systems and processes. Studies show that Black women are more likely to:

Have their symptoms dismissed or not taken seriously.
Experience delays in pain relief or treatment (1 in 5 Black women report being denied pain relief).
Face stereotypes like the “strong Black woman” myth, which leads to care teams underestimating pain or risk.

On top of this, the main causes of maternal deaths in recent years include:

Blood clots and heart problems (especially in the weeks right after birth).
Mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, and suicide — the leading cause of deaths that happen between 6 weeks and a year after giving birth.

What you can do during pregnancy and after birth

None of this should fall on mums alone — but until the system improves, self-advocacy can make a huge difference. Here are some steps to help keep you safe:

Know the red flags
Seek help straight away if you experience:

Severe headache or vision changes
Chest pain or breathlessness
Swelling (especially face/hands) or sudden weight gain
Severe stomach or upper-abdominal pain
Reduced baby movements
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Ask for explanations
If you’re refused pain relief, a test, or a referral, ask for the reason to be written in your notes. This puts pressure on staff to explain their decision.

Bring a birth partner or advocate
Having someone with you who can speak up if you’re too tired, stressed, or unwell makes a huge difference.

Keep a list of questions
Before appointments, write down your worries. This helps you feel prepared and makes sure you don’t forget anything in the moment.

Escalate if you’re not heard
If you feel dismissed, ask to speak to the on-call consultant, or contact your hospital’s PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service).

Support and helplines for you

You are not alone, and there are organisations ready to listen and help:

Tommy’s midwife line: 0800 014 7800 / midwife@tommys.org (Mon–Fri, 9–5).
Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC): 01386 761 848.
Maternity Action (rights and entitlements): 0808 801 0488 (check availability by region).
Birthrights: Free legal advice on your maternity rights — www.birthrights.org.uk .

Change is happening — but not fast enough

The NHS has started programmes to reduce these inequalities, and campaigners like Five X More are pushing for action. In 2025, over a thousand Black women shared their experiences, and their voices are forcing change. But the truth is: the gap still exists, and it will take time for the system to catch up.

Final word

Your life matters. Your baby’s life matters. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up until someone listens. You have the right to safe, respectful care, and you are not “being difficult” for asking questions or pushing for answers.

Black mothers in the UK face greater risks — but with the right knowledge, support, and self-advocacy, you can protect yourself and your baby. And together, by speaking openly, we can keep pushing for a system where every mum feels safe, seen, and heard.