By: Angela Hammet, MSN, RNC-OB, LCCE
Woman’s Pregnancy Nurse Navigator

There are many tasks that become more difficult when you are expecting: tying your shoes, taking the stairs, and, in Louisiana, preparing for a hurricane! While making well thought out plans and having emergency bags packed are great preparations for hurricane season, there are also some simple tips to remember as a storm approaches:

• Plan an alternate birth location in case of evacuation or problems with road travel.
• Have phone numbers and locations of local obstetricians in case you cannot reach your regular health care provider.
• Try to get three solid meals with a protein, a fruit and or a vegetable, and some sort of starch if possible.
• Stay hydrated.
• Listen to your body. Any severe storm can put a lot of stress on an expecting mom, so watch for signs of early labor, especially if you are in your final months.
• Stay informed by paying close attention to all local news and weather advisories. Take head to necessary warnings and enact your plan when the time comes.

If you evacuate:

• Have a paper copy of all medical documents, including prenatal care, immunizations and medications.
• Immediately notify necessary personnel at shelters that you are pregnant and gather information regarding local hospitals in the area.
• Contact hospitals in the area and ask about their COVID-19 policies.

If you’re close to your due date:

• Get a copy of your records from your physician.
• Add the following items to your hospital bag:
• Extra clothes
• Closed-Toe Shoes
• Prenatal Vitamins
• Baby Supplies:
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Ready-to-Feed Formula if planning to formula feed.

For more information visit the CDC’s Website.