What is #BumpDay? A message from Heidi Murkoff
You’ve heard it before, and it’s true: No one knows your body better than you do, especially when you’re pregnant or postpartum.
But what if nobody listened when you spoke up about your body — about a headache that just won’t quit, breathlessness or swelling, fetal movement that’s suddenly slowed down, debilitating anxiety. What if you knew something was wrong, but nobody believed you?
Sadly, that happens too often. Moms, especially moms who are Black, Native, or living in rural areas, aren’t believed, aren’t listened to. Three in 10 expectant moms say their practitioner doesn’t always listen to their concerns, according to a What to Expect study. Their concerns are brushed off as “normal,” dismissed as “dramatic,” even ignored completely. Complications that might have been quickly diagnosed and successfully treated — if only someone had listened — aren’t. And the preventable results can be tragic.
That’s not okay. And that’s why this #BumpDay we’re asking moms and those who love them to learn the warning signs that may signal a serious pregnancy or birth-related complication — and to be empowered to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. And we’re asking doctors, nurses, EMTs, and anyone else who cares for pregnant and new moms to listen. To respect, respond, trust, and believe what we know: Over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable … if only we listen.
Participate in #BumpDay
1. Share your story — or show your support. If you've ever spotted a pregnancy red flag and spoken up to get the care you needed, share your story on social media. Your voice could help another mom trust her instincts and get the support she deserves. You could also share a bump photo — yours, or a pic of someone you love — with this simple message: Every mom, everywhere deserves a safe pregnancy and postpartum period. Tag your post with #BumpDay and @whattoexpect. We will be reposting these stories on #BumpDay.
2. Demand action. Contact your congressional representatives and urge them to take action that supports safe pregnancy and postpartum experiences in honor of #BumpDay.
