I was browsing through pregnancy forums and came across a few posts asking if hurricanes can cause a woman to go into labor because of a drop in barometric pressure. The answer is no. That’s a myth.
But infection, stress and dehydration can cause pregnancy complications. The Center for Disease Control and the March of Dimes offer the following advice for pregnant women after a hurricane:
Living in close quarters with others or near dirty water can cause infection. To avoid infection:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Make sure that the water you drink is clean. Listen to the local news to find out if you might need to boil your water so that it is safe to drink.
• If you have any signs of illness such as diarrhea, rash, fever or cough talk to a doctor or a nurse right away.
• Make sure you drink plenty of water.
Carbon monoxide poisoning:
Using generators, kerosene heaters, grills, or camp stoves indoors can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use these machines in a closed space. Always be sure that a window or door is open nearby. Carbon monoxide is a gas with no color or smell. It is a poison for anyone, whether you are pregnant or not. It can poison both you and your baby. If you breathe it, it can make you feel like throwing up or feel very tired. It can even kill you. If you are having problems and think you may have breathed carbon monoxide, you should tell a doctor or nurse.
If possible, do not touch or walk in flood water. If you do touch the water, make sure to use soap and clean water to wash the parts of your body that came in contact with the water. Do not swallow any of the flood water and be careful to keep it away from your mouth. If you feel sick in any way, talk to a doctor or nurse right away. Remember to tell the doctor or nurse that you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Getting mosquito bites can make it more likely that you get sick with certain infections, such as West Nile virus. There are some things you can do to keep from getting mosquito bites. Stay inside during early morning and early evening hours. This is when mosquitoes are most active. If you are outside, wear long sleeves and long pants when possible. Mosquito repellents containing DEET are good at preventing mosquito bites. It’s better to put the spray mostly on your clothes. If you need to put it on your skin, use small amounts on the areas that are not covered by clothing.
Understand that the stress you are feeling is normal. Get plenty of rest — it is important for you and your baby. Do your best to eat healthy foods and drink lots of clean water. Find healthy ways to relax. Taking just a few minutes a couple times during the day to close your eyes in a quiet place can help. Reading, listening to music, or writing in a journal can also help you to relax. Avoid the urge to drink alcohol, smoke or take drugs as ways of coping with stress. Talk to friends, family members or clergy for comfort and share your experiences and feelings with them. If you feel your friends or family can’t help, talk to a counselor, doctor or nurse right away.
Labor Symptoms: Normal and Preterm
Stress is a risk factor for preterm labor. If you have any of the symptoms below, do not wait for them to just go away. If you are in a shelter, immediately go to the person in charge of your site. Tell him or her you need medical care right away. If you are not in a shelter and have any of these symptoms, contact a health care provider
• Contractions (your abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often
• Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from your vagina)
• Pelvic pressure (the feeling that your baby is pushing down)
• Low, dull backache
• Cramps that feel like your period
• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea
Stress and Pregnancy: Physical Relief
If you are driving, be sure to stop, get out and walk every 1-2 hours. No matter what your housing situation, take a little time (10 to 15 minutes) to lie down and put your feet up. Try to do this three times a day (such as after breakfast, lunch and dinner).