Natural Disasters And Pregnancy
Being pregnant and giving birth are two stressful conditions. When a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado or earthquake strikes, the stress can further complicate matters for the mother and her unborn child.
Some women go into premature labour under the stressful conditions brought about by a natural disaster. A hurricane, tornado or earthquake is a stressful thing to go through. In these situations, man, or woman, is pitted against the elements. Persons focus on survival and minimizing damage to life and property.
A disaster causes changes to the environment that also makes it difficult for women to get access to health care. A large scale disaster can have a significant impact on birth, since hospitals are likely to have other types of medical emergencies competing for what then become limited resources.
In Haiti in 2010, many women who were pregnant, or near their due date suffered greatly. They lost their homes, and loved ones, and were also forced to give birth, in some cases prematurely, in situations that they could never have anticipated beforehand.
Mothers and fathers who had made preparations for their newborn, buying baby clothes and many other items for their newborn, watched their preparations crumble when the earth moved around them.
Electricity and water supplies are often disrupted in a major disaster. This situation can, and oftentimes does, affect health care. Health care workers in a disaster have to discharge mothers who may not have a home to go back to. The space is needed for other women who may be coming in to give birth.