Universal Maternal Language
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many countries, including the United States, implemented travel restrictions that disrupted plans for expectant mothers around the world. As a result, some foreign mothers found themselves giving birth in a country where the healthcare system, language, and cultural norms were unfamiliar. Navigating pregnancy checkups in this context is especially challenging. Medical appointments often rely on complex terminology and nuanced communication, and for mothers who do not speak English as their first language, language barriers can quickly become overwhelming. This placed many families in a situation they had never anticipated or prepared for. The idea for this project came directly from our own experiences. Having both grown up speaking a language other than English, we understand how difficult it can be to describe pain accurately during medical visits. Even when we know that clear communication is critical to receiving proper care, it can be hard to find the right words to explain what hurts, where it hurts, and how it feels. These challenges are compounded by systemic gaps in care. Nearly one-third of hospitals in the United States fail to provide professional interpreters for patients with limited English proficiency, despite federal requirements. In response, we set out to create a shared “language” between foreign mothers and their medical teams. This language is designed to help mothers communicate symptoms, concerns, and needs more confidently and efficiently. For first-time mothers navigating pregnancy and postpartum recovery in an unfamiliar environment, the goal is to reduce fear of the unknown and create a more inclusive, supportive healthcare experience.
