The needs of a pregnant woman during a disaster or crisis are unique.
•   Start with following all directions given by civil defense ( http://www.scd.hawaii.gov/ )  during an emergency.
•   If you must evacuate your home, here are some special things to consider:

Before:
 •  Call your physician’s office to let them know where you will be. Discuss concerns and delivery plans with your doctor.
 •  If you have a high-risk pregnancy or you are close to delivery, check with your health care provider to determine the safest option for you.

During:
•  Bring any medications you are currently taking, including your prenatal vitamins and your prescriptions.
•  Keep a copy of your prenatal medical records and contact information for your health care provider with you in case you have to visit another provider.
•  Wear comfortable shoes and pack some snacks.
•  Remember that maternity clothes may not be available if you evacuate. Pack extra clothes for yourself, including undergarments

After:
•   Being pregnant is a stressful time. Find someone to talk to a few times a day. The fact that you have someone to talk to can be helpful all by itself.
•   Drink 8 glasses (8 ounce servings) of water a day.
•   Eat several times throughout the day, and try to choose foods that are high in protein and low in fat.
•   Take time to lie down and put your feet up a few times a day. You and your baby need to rest often and avoid getting overheated. 
•   Find a quiet spot to clear your mind of worries and take deep breaths from your belly.
•   Know the signs of labor and preterm labor. See below for more information.
•   If your health care provider’s office is closed, or if you have had to evacuate, you can call a local hospital to get more information about prenatal care.

Signs of Preterm Labor

If you have any of the following symptoms, let the person in charge of the shelter know immediately and call your health care provider:
•   Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
•   Leaking fluid or bleeding from your vagina
•   The feeling that your baby is pushing down
•   Low, dull backache
•   Cramps that feel like your period
•   Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

Prepare for Disasters: Special Information for Families with Infants or Anyone Caring for a Newborn

The needs of families with newborns are unique. Here are some special things to consider:
•   Start with following all directions given by the civil defense ( http://www.scdhawaii.gov/ ) during an emergency.
•   If you must evacuate your home, here are some special things to consider:

Before:
•  Call your physician to let them know where you will be.
•   If your baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit, check with the hospital to find out their disaster plan and where your baby will be sent if the hospital is evacuated.

During:
Packing Checklist:
•   Contact information for your health care providers.
•   Several pacifiers to help soothe your baby
•   Diapers (you will need about 70 a week for a newborn)
•   A blanket for your baby
•   Consider bringing a safe place for your baby to sleep, such as a portable crib
•   Extra clothes for your baby because these may be hard to find
•   It can be loud in shelters and hospitals, so you should bring anything that could help soothe you and your baby
•   Hand sanitizer
•   Rectal thermometer and lubricant
•   Non-aspirin liquid pain reliever

After:
•   Drink 8 glasses (8 ounce serving) of water a day.
•   Eat several times throughout the day, and try to choose foods that are high in protein and low in fat.
•   Wash your hands with soap regularly or use hand sanitizer.
•   Find a quiet spot to clear your mind of worries and take deep breaths from your belly. Take a little time to lie down and put your feet up a few times a day. You and your baby need to rest often and not get overheated. 
•   Having a newborn is a stressful time. Find someone to talk to a few times a day. The fact that you have someone to talk to can be helpful all by itself.
•   If you recently gave birth vaginally or had a c-section you still need to follow any directions given by your health care provider.
•   Many new mothers experience the “postpartum blues” or the "baby blues”, the symptoms include irritability, crying easily, sadness and confusion.  Symptoms usually peak three to five days after delivery and end by the tenth day after the baby’s birth.  If the symptoms last for longer than two weeks or worsen, you may have postpartum depression and should call a health professional. Do not be afraid to ask for help or discuss your feelings.