Babies still come.
Labor still happens.
Complications still occur.
But disasters can make maternal and newborn care significantly more dangerous.
Flooded roads, damaged hospitals, power outages, transportation failures, staffing shortages, medication disruptions, and overwhelmed healthcare systems can delay or completely interrupt access to prenatal care, labor and delivery services, emergency surgery, and postpartum support.
For pregnant individuals, even a short disruption in care can become critical.
Disasters may increase the risk of:
• Preterm labor
• Hypertensive emergencies
• Hemorrhage
• Infection
• Delayed emergency cesarean delivery
• Limited fetal monitoring
• Medication interruptions
• Mental health complications
• Unsafe delivery environments
Newborns are also especially vulnerable during emergencies.
Power outages can affect incubators and neonatal equipment.
Displacement may limit access to formula, clean water, diapers, refrigeration, and pediatric follow-up care.
Stress and trauma can affect both maternal and infant health long after the disaster itself ends.
In some disasters, pregnant patients may be forced to give birth in shelters, damaged facilities, overcrowded hospitals, or areas with limited medical support.
Healthcare teams often must adapt quickly with limited resources while still managing high-risk obstetric emergencies.
Preparedness for disasters must include maternal and newborn health planning.
This includes:
• Obstetric surge planning
• Backup power for labor and delivery units
• Blood product availability
• Emergency transportation systems
• Neonatal care preparedness
• Prenatal medication continuity
• Lactation and feeding support
• Mental health resources
• Safe sheltering for pregnant individuals and families
Protecting maternal health during disasters is not optional.
It is essential to protecting entire communities.
Because every pregnant patient deserves safe care.
Every newborn deserves a safe start.
And no family should have to navigate childbirth alone during crisis.
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