The March of Dimes urges pregnant women and parents of newborns to prepare now for future emergencies or the need to evacuate from their homes.

“A weather emergency or other disaster is a nerve-wracking time for anyone, but especially for pregnant women and new parents,” says Dr. Jennifer Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “Being prepared and having a plan in place will save precious time in an emergency and help reduce unneeded stress.”

Pregnant women should discuss any concerns and their delivery plans with their obstetrician or other health care provider. Families should follow hurricane readiness guidelines and put together an emergency bag in the event they need to evacuate quickly.

General planning and preparation information can also be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/), Florida Division of Emergency Management, (http://www.floridadisaster.org/) and Florida Department of Health (www.doh.state.fl.us/Hurricane/hurricane2006.html).

While pregnant women should follow the local disaster preparedness recommendations, they and new mothers also should take special precautions for themselves and their children.

March of Dimes Emergency Preparedness Tips for Pregnant Women and New Parents

1. Pregnant women should know the signs labor and if they experience any of these symptoms, should NOT wait for them to just go away. They should seek immediate medical care. Preterm labor is any labor before 37 weeks gestation. The signs of labor are:    
     • Contractions (the abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often
     • Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina)
     • Pelvic pressure—the feeling that the baby is pushing down
     • Low, dull backache
     • Cramps that feel like a period
     • Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
   
2. Pregnant women should pack prenatal vitamins, or perhaps an extra supply of over-the-counter vitamins, along with extra maternity clothes.
3. Fill prescription medications in advance.
4. Have bottled water and non-perishable food supplies on hand. Try to stock food that is high in protein and low in fat.
5. New parents who may need to stay in a shelter should consider bringing a safe place for their baby to sleep, such as a portable crib, as well as extra diapers and other basic medical supplies.
6. New parents also should take special steps to ensure they have food for their infants. The stress of a hurricane may affect lactating women’s milk supply, although breastfeeding can be calming for both mother and baby.
7. In the rare instance it becomes impossible to continue to breastfeed, mothers may consider weaning their baby. If they choose to switch to formula, parents should use pre-prepared formula because there may be concerns about the quality of the water supply. Do not use water treated with iodine or chlorine tablets to prepare powdered formula.
8. Pregnant women should do their best to eat regularly and nutritiously and drink plenty of water. They also should do their best to get enough sleep and to rest quietly (lying down with feet up) for a few minutes several times a day.