Committee Opinion No. 726 Summary: Hospital Disaster Preparedness for Obstetricians and Facilities Providing Maternity Care

• 2017

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PMID: 29189692DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002411

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This article discusses how the obstetric population, including antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal care, requires special consideration during disasters due to unique features. Pregnancy increases the risks of adverse outcomes from infectious diseases, while trauma during pregnancy presents specific challenges that may necessitate increased resources like higher rates of cesarean deliveries. Environmental disasters like floods are linked to higher risks of spontaneous miscarriages, preterm births, and low-birth-weight infants in pregnant women. Obstetric care facilities must prepare for potential surges in patient volume during mass-casualty events, requiring additional resources and staffing. Establishing clear levels of maternal and neonatal care facilities and a regional network for rapid patient transport will enhance disaster preparedness and ensure timely and appropriate care for obstetric patients.

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Tags

Focus Area: Everyday Emergency

Audiences: Emergency Managers; Nurses; Physicians

Emergency Management Stage: Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Bundles: Disaster Research Literature Review

Keywords: Abortion, Spontaneous; Cesarean Section; Disaster Planning; Disease Outbreaks; Floods; Hospital Administration; Maternal Health Services; Obstetrics; Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital; Pregnancy Complications; Premature Birth

Institutions: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

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