Hurricane season is here again. And if you’re pregnant and nearing term, you may have concerns about what to do if inclement weather reaches your neighborhood. Though the odds of going into labor during the worst of a storm are low, a little extra planning will help put your family more at ease.
To find out how to be properly prepared for giving birth during hurricane season, we spoke with our own board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, D. Ashley Hill, MD.
Where to Go
“There’s a myth that low barometric pressure will cause women to go into labor,” explains Dr. Hill. “It’s actually quite rare for women to give birth during a hurricane.” If you're concerned it could happen to you, talk with your OB clinician.
In general, it’s important to have an emergency preparedness plan. If you’re in an evacuation zone, be sure to evacuate as quickly and safely as possible. Bring everything you’ll need for a few days with you since most shelters are only stocked well for a short time. If you should be unable to return home afterward for any reason, you’ll have supplies to get by until you find new accommodations.
“Staying with family or friends that are well out of the way of harm from the storm is ideal, but if you’re unable, seek a storm shelter,” says Dr. Hill. You may be able to find a haven at your local special needs shelters. Check if your local shelter has "pregnant women near due dates" listed as qualifying individuals that can be housed there.
Unless your OB clinician tells you specifically that you should come to the hospital to ride out the storm and have your baby, don’t seek shelter at a hospital. Hospitals aren’t equipped to handle shelter seekers. If you need to come to the hospital during a hurricane for a medical emergency, consider bringing food and water. Also, some hospitals may limit the number of visitors during emergencies, so be sure to call ahead to check.
“The most important thing to remember is that if you are at risk for delivery, or within a couple weeks from your due date, is that it’s usually best to evacuate somewhere outside the danger zone that also has a hospital with a labor and delivery unit nearby. Hopefully you can stay with family or friends,” says Dr. Hill. He continues, “It’s crucial to plan for the worst-case scenario when it comes to hurricanes since they can knock out power, prevent rescue operations, and disable other infrastructure. If you don’t evacuate and you do go into labor, 911 or your hospital’s labor unit team will be able to talk you and your delivery partner through the process in the unlikely event that it comes down to that.”
What to Bring
Whether you’re evacuating or staying at home, be sure to stock up on drinking water and non-perishable food items as well as a 2-week supply of any medications that you’ve been prescribed for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma.
If you’re staying put for the storm, be sure to have at least two gallons of drinking water per day set aside for yourself. You must stay properly hydrated while you’re pregnant.
You’ll also need to stock up on non-perishable food items that don’t need to be kept cold. Avoid meats, cheeses, eggs, and other perishable items that may carry bacteria and could be harmful to you and your baby. It's extremely important to never run a generator inside of your house or garage.
Before the storm arrives, talk to your OB team about getting a printed version of your prenatal medical records so you can bring them with you to wherever you seek shelter. If you go into labor before you can get to your hospital, this will help whoever helps deliver your baby.
If you’re close to term and you think there may be a chance that you’ll give birth during the storm or before you can go home, bring your baby bag, blankets, diapers, bottles, pads and any additional items you may need on delivery day with you to the shelter.
How to Know
“If you have any doubts about where you should be during the storm, call your doctor and ask them,” says Dr. Hill. “Trust in your doctor to have your well-being and your baby’s in mind when they determine where you should ride out the storm.”
After the Hurricane
If your power is out, try to stay cool as overheating and dehydration can be dangerous for both mothers and babies. You may need to relocate to an area that has power. Avoid heavy lifting and try to avoid overexerting yourself.
World-Class Mother and Baby Care
We believe in the whole health and well-being of you and your baby from conception to birth and beyond. We are committed to providing you with the best care available. Please visit AdventHealth for Women or call
Call407-303-5600 to make an appointment or to speak with one of our specialists if you have any questions or concerns about hurricane preparedness.
