Local woman shares experiences regarding Black maternity [Video]

TAMPA, Fla. — Every year, hundreds of woman reportedly die during child birth in the United States and cases are increasing.It’s a problem that disproportionately impacts Black women.

Bringing life into this world can come with many challenges that Xaviera Bell said she wasn’t prepared for.

“For me, I didn’t know that Black maternal health was a thing. I didn’t know it was a thing until it became my thing,” Bell said.

In 2018, Bell found out she was pregnant with her son Xander. She said she faced challenges many Black women know too well. 

“Each time, I recognize that I was not being heard. It was like I was not aware of what my body does and what was not normal,” Bell said.  

Xander was born at 21 weeks.

“I was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix. My cervix was weak. Which is what I was advising them of, and I was feeling the discomfort of …