The expectant mothers in the earthquake region, on the other hand, entered a challenging process for both themselves and their babies. Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Op. Dr. Şefik Gökçe made suggestions about what the pregnant women in the earthquake area should do psychologically and physically. Especially mentioning the life triangle method, which saves life in the event of an earthquake, Op. Dr. Gökçe said, “The life triangle is a position where the expectant mother can protect both herself and her baby.”
Considered as an earthquake zone geographically, Turkey faced one of the most devastating disasters. Earthquakes in the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş, which deeply affected millions of people, caused thousands of casualties. Earthquakes, described as major disasters, also resonated on the world agenda. The painful events brought up life-saving methods for everyone from 7 to 70. Turkey’s earthquake reality has resurfaced with disasters, the epicenter of which is the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş.
Evaluating the psychological and physical effects of the earthquake on pregnant women, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Op. Dr. Şefik Gökçe explained the precautions that pregnant women should take during and after the earthquake. Kiss. Dr. Gökçe said, “The most important precaution that pregnant women should take in order to protect themselves and their babies during an earthquake is to wait in the life triangle position.”
Stating that there are physical problems in pregnant women due to the shaking caused by the earthquake, Op. Dr. Gökçe warned, “The triangle of life is important in terms of reducing physical damage and surviving the debris. At this point, a life triangle should be formed by crouching next to items that can provide protection such as beds, bulky sofas, chests, washing machines in case of an earthquake.”
Those who are in the first months of pregnancy should be examined immediately.
There are issues that pregnant women who experienced the earthquake should pay attention to after the disaster. Pregnant women at the beginning of pregnancy may face the risk of miscarriage and bleeding due to the effects of concussions. Speaking about the individuals caught in the earthquake in the first months of pregnancy, Op. Dr. Gökçe said, “It is important for pregnant women who encounter earthquakes in the first months of pregnancy to have both physical and psychological examinations as soon as possible. In case of bleeding at the same time, the chance of early intervention increases with a doctor’s examination,” he said, and drew attention to the importance of going to a doctor’s control without wasting time.
Precautions should be taken against epidemics
After the earthquake, the risk of infectious diseases arises due to the situation of the region and the fact that many people stay on the streets.
Referring to the need to take precautions against epidemics, Op. Dr. Gökçe said, “Pregnant women need to pay more attention to hygiene after the earthquake. At this point, it is important to use disinfectants in areas where there is no clean water to ensure body hygiene. In addition, the use of masks is also among the measures that pregnant women can take against diseases. Again, it is necessary to direct health workers in the region against the risk of disease. It is important to comply with it. Having the vaccinations that should be done under the control of health professionals is also one of the things that should be considered,” and drew attention to the importance of hygiene conditions.
It is extremely important for mothers to protect their health after the earthquake for their babies. It is necessary to approach issues such as nutrition and water consumption sensitively.
Touching on the issue of nutrition and supplementary food intake, Op. Dr. Gökçe said, “Access to clean water is extremely important. All kinds of beverages, including packaged water, must be stored in good conditions. Otherwise, digestive system diseases such as diarrhea may occur. It is absolutely necessary not to consume water that has been left in the open. “The same precautions apply to food. It is necessary to pay attention to the expiration dates of all foods, including packaged dry foods,” he said.
Supplements such as vitamins and minerals and iron supplements are of great importance during pregnancy. “After the earthquake, pregnant women can neglect their supplements and medicines. Regular use of supplements such as folic acid, vitamins, minerals and iron medicine is very important. Pregnant women in the earthquake area need to stay in touch with health workers and get help in accessing these supplements.”
Earthquake stress raises possibility of premature birth
For expectant mothers who are in the last stages of their pregnancy, earthquakes can trigger premature birth. Mentioning this effect created by the stress and fear experienced, Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Şefik Gökçe said, “Disasters trigger negative emotions such as fear and stress on the mother. “In order not to encounter any problems, it is necessary to get medical and psychological support immediately after the earthquake. Thanks to medical treatments, a relaxing effect can be created for the heartbeat, blood pressure and stress hormones of the expectant mother.”
It is important for pregnant women to receive medical and psychological support after an earthquake.
Another problem that comes to the fore for pregnant women in the earthquake area is the inability to access the treatments that should be followed during pregnancy and the drugs that should be taken. In order not to disrupt the pregnancy follow-up, pregnant women should reach the doctor’s treatment as quickly as possible.
Gynecologist Op. Dr. Gökçe said, “The pregnancy period is a process that progresses with doctor follow-up from the beginning to the end. In natural disasters, especially in pregnant women who are in the earthquake zone, doctor follow-up can be delayed. At this point, the importance of getting medical support for the expectant mother increases. It is also extremely important for the expectant mother who is faced with the reality of the earthquake to receive psychological support after the disaster. In order for negative emotions such as stress and fear to affect the pregnancy, it is necessary to take necessary care to receive psychological support, “he concluded by underlining that pregnant women should not delay their physical and psychological examinations after the earthquake.
