No one wants to experience a disaster such as a flood, wildfire, tornado, hurricane or a chemical spill or others. It is even more dangerous for pregnant women to experience a disaster if she is unprepared for such an emergency.

First of all if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant it is wise to follow any disaster instructions given by the state and also to follow instructions by the doctor caring for your pregnancy.

Being prepared for a disaster is necessary for anyone and can make a big difference for the health of the baby and mom-to-be. As part of the preconception planning or soon after she discovers she is pregnant a woman may start to gather information and supplies she needs to be safe during a disaster.

The information she should have available in case of a disaster is:

The contact information for her pregnancy doctor, her midwife or other medical team, a list of any prescription medications that she takes and her prenatal vitamins, a copy of her prenatal records.

What pregnant women should do during a disaster:

During a disaster notify your healthcare team and any case manager for programs you may be participating in such as Healthy Start know your contact information, especially if you are not at home during the disaster.

Women who are close to their due dates or are high risk should stay as close to medical services as possible and call your doctor to find out if there are any special precautions that should be taken during the disaster.

If you have time to pack or grab necessities during the disaster make sure that you take any prescription medications, your prenatal vitamins, and extra clothing.

Staying safe after a disaster:

It is important to be certain that the food you eat is not spoiled. Try to continue to eat at regular intervals and as nutritious food as possible.

Make sure that you follow all public announcements and pay special attention to any mention of the safety of the drinking and cooking water. Use bottled, boiled or disinfected water if the water has been determined to be unsafe.

It is still important that you do your best to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Juice and milk is also important if available.

Be especially diligent to be aware of any signs of labor. During disasters pregnant women are at a higher risk for preterm labor because of stress.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following signs of labor:

- Contractions that come every ten minutes or less

- A change in your vaginal discharge especially any fluid leakage or vaginal bleeding

- Anything that feels like the baby is pushing down on your cervix or pressure in your lower abdomen

- Dull backache especially lower down

- Cramping that feels like a period cramp

- Abdominal cramping even if there is no diarrhea

- Diarrhea

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