From Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Op. Dr. Şefik Gökçe made suggestions about what the pregnant women in the earthquake area should do psychologically and physically.
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 who were caught in an earthquake in the first months of pregnancy, Gökçe said, “It is important that pregnant women who encounter an earthquake in the first months of pregnancy have both physical and psychological examinations as soon as possible. As a result of the stress caused by the effects of tremors, the possibility of miscarriage increases for the expectant mother. In such a situation, it is extremely important to get a doctor's examination as soon as possible. At the same time, in case of bleeding, the chance of early intervention with a doctor's examination increases," he said, and drew attention to the importance of going to a doctor's control without wasting time.
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, 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 clean water is not available 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 important to follow the directions of the health professionals in the region against the risk of disease. Having the vaccinations that should be done under the control of health professionals is also one of the things that should be considered," he said, adding 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, 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. It is necessary to keep the waters high on the ground and out of sunlight. The same measures apply to food. It is necessary to pay attention to the expiration dates of all foods, including packaged dry foods.
Pointing out the importance of supplements such as vitamins and minerals and iron medicine during pregnancy, Gökçe said, “After the earthquake, pregnant women can neglect their supplements and medicines. Regular use of supplements such as folic acid, vitamins, minerals and iron supplements is very important. Pregnant women in the earthquake area need to stay in touch with health workers and get help in accessing these supplements.”
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 expectant mother. In this context, although the probability is low, contractions may begin in the expectant mother. This can cause premature birth or miscarriage. The period of exposure to stress is important at this point. In order not to encounter any problems, it is necessary to receive 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.
Another problem that comes to the forefront for pregnant women in the earthquake zone 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. Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Şefik Gökçe said, “The pregnancy period is a process that progresses with the follow-up of a doctor from the beginning to the end. In natural disasters, doctor follow-up may be delayed, especially in pregnant women who are in the earthquake zone. At this point, the importance of getting medical support for the expectant mother increases. If necessary, increasing the controls is also one of the necessary situations. 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 pregnancy, it is necessary to take necessary care to receive psychological support” and underlined that pregnant women should not delay physical and psychological examinations after the earthquake.
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