Fires Put Pregnant Women, Infan...( March of Dimes provides tips to p...),Health

March of Dimes provides tips to protect those most vulnerable during

disaster

SAN DIEGO, Oct 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- March of Dimes urges pregnant women and families with young infants to take special precautions as fires burn throughout Southern California.

"Expectant mothers and babies are at increased risk during disasters and we are doing all we can to provide information to help keep moms and babies healthy," said Dani Montague, State Director of the March of Dimes California Chapter. "The entire country learned hard lessons from Hurricane Katrina."

City and County officials have urged pregnant women and babies to stay indoors or wear protective masks to avoid inhaling smoke and pollutants. For families who must leave home for the safety of an emergency shelter, March of Dimes provides the following guidelines to help protect the health of expectant mothers and infants:

Special information for Pregnant Women:

-- Bring copies of medical records, including prenatal medical records

and contact information for your health care provider

-- Immediately notify shelter of your pregnancy and get information about

the location of hospitals in the area

-- Ensure you have plenty of water and high-protein snacks

-- Bring with you any medications, including prenatal vitamins and

prescriptions

-- Do all you can to reduce stress -- stress is a major factor in preterm

labor

-- Learn the signs of preterm labor and contact shelter officials

immediately if you experience any of the following:

- Contractions every 10 minutes of more

- Leaking vaginal fluid or bleeding

- Feeling that baby is pushing down

- Low, dull backache

- Abdominal cramps

Special information for Families with Infants:

-- Bring copies of baby's medical records and contact info
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