Black Maternal Health Week: What Every Black Mother Should Know About Adenomyosis, Fibroids, and Newborn Jaundice

Black Maternal Health Week, founded by Five X More, is a time to spotlight the health disparities Black women and birthing people face and to amplify education, advocacy, and community-driven solutions. Here’s a summary of three critical health issues that are too often overlooked or misdiagnosed in Black communities: adenomyosis, fibroids, and neonatal jaundice.

1. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition where the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It can cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, and fatigue yet it’s often misdiagnosed or dismissed, especially in Black women.

Why It Matters:

• Black women are more likely to report severe symptoms but less likely to be taken seriously.

• Adenomyosis is often confused with fibroids or endometriosis and requires imaging and specialist evaluation for a proper diagnosis.

• Many Black women suffer in silence for years before receiving answers.

What You Can Do:

• Track your symptoms, advocate for diagnostic imaging (like MRI or transvaginal ultrasound), and seek a second opinion if your pain is dismissed.

2. Uterine Fibroids: Common, But Not "Normal"

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors in the uterus and up to 80% of Black women will have them by age 50. While common, fibroids can cause major complications, especially during pregnancy.

What to Watch For:

• Heavy or prolonged periods

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Fertility struggles

The Racial Gap:

Black women are diagnosed earlier, have larger and more numerous fibroids, and are more likely to undergo hysterectomy compared to white women. Yet, non-surgical options are often under-discussed.

Advocacy Tip:

Ask about uterine-sparing treatments like UFE (uterine fibroid embolization) or hormonal therapies because you deserve all the options.

3. Jaundice in Black and Brown Babies: Spotting the Signs Early

Jaundice, or newborn yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels, is common but harder to detect on darker skin tones. Without early detection, severe jaundice can cause brain damage (kernicterus).

What to Look For:

• Yellowing in the whites of the eyes, gums, or palms/soles

• Dark urine or pale stool

• Drowsiness or poor feeding

Unfortunately, medical training often focuses on how jaundice looks on white skin. That’s why parents and healthcare professionals must be taught how to spot it in Black and Brown babies.

🍼 Check out the 10 Steps to Spot Jaundice in Black and Brown Babies to protect your little one.

Why This All Matters During Black Maternal Health Week

Black women are five times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes in the UK and are routinely ignored, misdiagnosed, or underserved. Conditions like adenomyosis, fibroids, and neonatal jaundice aren’t rare they’re just rarely taken seriously when they affect Black women, pregnant people and babies.

This week — and every week — we demand:
✅ Culturally competent care
✅ More research centred on Black health
✅ Respect, safety, and informed choices in all birth journeys

Let’s #ListenToBlackWomen, and keep pushing for equity in maternal and neonatal health.

📢 Share this post. Start the conversation. Demand better care.

#BlackMaternalHealthWeek #BMHW25 #FiveXMore #BlackMamasMatter #BirthEquity #FibroidsAwareness #Adenomyosis #JaundiceAwareness #BlackHealthMatters #RespectfulMaternityCare