Preparing for Disasters: Addressing Critical Obstetric and Gynecologic Needs of Patients

Large-scale catastrophic events, either natural or human-influenced, highlight the requisite for emergency plans that specifically address the needs of obstetric and gynecologic patients. Pregnant, postpartum, and lactating individuals and their newborns and infants can be adversely affected by disasters and disaster-related environmental conditions. Obstetrician-gynecologists and other health care professionals have a unique role in developing and carrying out an emergency preparedness plan that addresses safety and medical needs in the event of a disaster.