How should pregnant women protect themselves and their babies during an earthquake?

How should pregnant women protect themselves and their babies during an earthquake?

The earthquake reality of Turkey came to light once again with the earthquake in Elazig. Stating that we need to learn to live with an earthquake, Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Çiğdem Karas said that as before the earthquake, one of the most important measures that pregnant women should take to protect themselves and their children during and after the earthquake is the life triangle position.

Stating that one of the problems that pregnant women may encounter during an earthquake is the physical problems caused by the earthquake itself, Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Çiğdem Karas said, “One of the most correct actions to be taken in order to protect themselves and their babies during an earthquake is to create a life triangle position. The triangle of life position is one of the positions where survivors are rescued. A triangle of life should be created by crouching under a table supported by solid chairs, if any, or next to items that can provide protection, such as a full and bulky armchair, sofa, full chest, washing machine. These gaps large enough to survive are called the 'triangle of life'. It should be collapsed with the hands in such a way as to protect the nape and head area. In this state, it is necessary to lie down in a fetal position, to form a life triangle, with the feet pulled towards the abdomen. This position is the most ideal, which protects a large part of the abdominal area, ”said she.

Stating that the other problems that will be encountered during and after the earthquake are the psychological problems that the earthquake will cause, Op. Dr. Çiğdem Karas said, “Although fear and stress are unlikely, they can initiate contractions and cause premature birth or miscarriage. The period of exposure to prenatal stress is also extremely important and causes different results according to the week of exposure to stress. These results may reveal the effects of the fetus in different periods of life (fetal period, neonatal period, childhood, adolescence and adulthood). It is important to get medical and psychological support immediately after the earthquake. When necessary, medical treatment and relaxation and relaxation techniques work, heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones and muscle tone decrease. In our country where we live on the earthquake line, planning and preparing for an earthquake in advance is one of the most important methods of coping with this fear, and explained the measures to be taken during and after the earthquake.