A qualitative exploration of perceptions of the aetiology of preterm birth among pregnant Black women.
Emily Dove-Medows, Jenna M Wheeler, Lindsey Esparza and 2 others
PMID 40086121WHAT IT FOUND
Pregnant Black women described preterm birth risk as tied to doing too much, emotional labour of racism, and relationship burdens.
This is not evidence of causes. It shows what patients may believe and how maternity nurses can listen better.
Key findings
01Participants developed three themes about perceived causes of preterm birth: Doing Too Much, Black Women Have it Harder, and Patriarchy and Privilege.
02Participants described physical work-related labour and emotional labour as contributors to preterm birth.
03Participants said stress from structural racism and limited opportunities could cause preterm birth.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample came from two prenatal clinics in the Midwestern United States and was a convenience subsample, so it may not represent all pregnant Black women. Interviews were conducted by telephone, which may have limited depth, although it may also have offered privacy. The interviewers were white women, and the authors say racial discordance may have affected what participants shared. The study explored perceptions of preterm birth causes, not participants' own preterm birth experiences. Qualitative themes describe beliefs and experiences; they do not test causes or outcomes.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat these themes as evidence of what causes preterm birth. They are perceptions from a convenience sample of pregnant Black women, not a test of causes.