Abstract
Large-scale catastrophic events, either natural or human-influenced, highlight the requisite for emergency plans that specifically address the needs of obstetric and gynecologic patients. Pregnant, postpartum, and lactating individuals and their newborns and infants can be adversely affected by disasters and disaster-related environmental conditions. Obstetrician–gynecologists and other health care professionals have a unique role in developing and carrying out an emergency preparedness plan that addresses safety and medical needs in the event of a disaster.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
Based on the principles outlined in this Committee Statement, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) makes the following recommendations and conclusions for obstetrician–gynecologists and other health care professionals:
Inform patients of local risk and seasonality for natural disasters and severe weather emergencies and encourage them to develop emergency preparedness plans, including plans for evacuation, supplies, and access to important documents.
Advise patients to follow public safety advisories during emergencies, including advisories about air and water safety, sheltering, and evacuation.
Encourage patients to develop a plan for obstetric care in the event of a disaster, including where to seek prenatal and obstetric services in the event of local health care facility closures, how to access their prenatal care records, and what to do in the event of an unintended out-of-facility birth.
Advise patients to seek medical care for urgent maternal warning signs and to inform health care professionals, including emergency responders and shelter staff, if they are pregnant, recently pregnant, or breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
Promote lactation as a strategy to continue infant feeding when disaster-related conditions cause interruptions in either formula or safe water supply and promote relactation as a strategy for patients unable to establish breastfeeding or chestfeeding or who experienced an interruption in breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
For individuals using reversible contraception, facilitate method continuation, such as providing prescriptions to enable sufficient supply.
Review signs of emotional distress and trauma and advise patients to seek care if needed.