🚨 The Reality of Giving Birth in a Crisis—What You Need to Know 🚨
🏥 Hospitals are closing, doctors are leaving, and restrictions are increasing.
👉 Would you know what to do if you had to give birth without the care you expected?
If you're pregnant, the state of maternal care might feel overwhelming—but you CAN take steps to protect yourself and your baby.
💡 Here’s How to Prepare Right Now:
✅ Choose your birth location carefully: Research hospitals in your area. High-risk pregnancies may require a tertiary care facility. If you live far away, consider staying closer as your due date approaches.
✅ Keep your medical records accessible: Have both physical and digital copies of prenatal records, lab results, medication lists, and your birth plan.
✅ Know the warning signs of complications:
Sudden swelling, severe headaches, or vision changes (possible preeclampsia)
Severe abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding (possible placental abruption)
Contractions before 37 weeks (possible preterm labor)
Heavy postpartum bleeding (possible hemorrhage)
Fever, chills, or pain (possible infection)
✅ Monitor your blood pressure: Check at home at least twice a week if normal. If readings change, your doctor may recommend daily checks up to three times per day. Call your provider immediately if readings are high.
✅ Build a support team: Have a trusted person with you during labor to advocate for you. Consider a certified doula and ensure your healthcare provider listens to your concerns.
✅ Have a backup plan: If considering birth outside a hospital, coordinate with an OB for emergencies. Understand the increased risks if complications arise.
💪 Giving birth is tough—even in the best of times. In a crisis, being informed and prepared can save your life.
📣 Share this post—someone you know might need these tips right now.
The Reality of Giving Birth in a Crisis—What You Need to Know
Hospitals are closing, doctors are leaving, and restrictions on reproductive healthcare are increasing across the country. For anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, these changes can feel overwhelming and frightening. But being informed and prepared can help you protect yourself and your baby—even in uncertain times. This guide will walk you through essential steps to take before, during, and after childbirth, as well as key complications to watch for and resources to help you navigate the healthcare system.
Planning Your Birth Location
Choosing the right place to give birth is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With hospital closures and staff shortages becoming more common, it’s essential to research your options and have a backup plan. Start by gathering information about hospitals in your area:
The Leapfrog Group: This nonprofit organization reports hospital performance data, including cesarean section rates for low-risk, first-time mothers. Participation is voluntary, so data availability may vary.
CesareanRates.org: This platform provides state-specific dashboards with information on cesarean and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) rates. While hospital-specific data may be limited, the site offers valuable state-level insights.
U.S. News & World Report: Using CDC data, this platform reports on cesarean rates across different communities, often at the county level.
State Department of Public Health Websites: Many state health departments publish hospital performance data, though availability can vary. Check regularly as government-sponsored websites are frequently updated.
If you have high-risk conditions, it may not be appropriate to deliver in a small rural hospital. In such cases, seeking care at a tertiary care facility with advanced resources may be safer. If you live far from a tertiary facility, consider staying closer to the hospital as your due date approaches—temporary accommodations such as hotels or Airbnbs can provide peace of mind. If considering a birth outside of a hospital setting, ensure you have a detailed emergency plan coordinated with an OB, including arrangements for immediate transport in case a cesarean section is needed. Additionally, seek appropriate counseling to understand the increased risk of poor outcomes for both mother and baby if complications arise or if the baby requires resuscitative efforts.
Keep Your Medical Records Accessible
Maintaining access to your medical records is essential, especially if you need to switch healthcare providers or seek emergency care at a different hospital. Here’s what to keep on hand:
Prenatal records: Include details of your prenatal visits, ultrasounds, and any complications or diagnoses.
Lab results: Track key lab results, especially blood type, glucose levels, and tests for infections.
Medication list: Document all medications, including dosages and any allergies.
Birth plan: A clear, written birth plan ensures healthcare providers understand your preferences.
Store these documents in both physical and digital formats so they can be easily shared if needed.
Know the Warning Signs of Complications
Recognizing the early signs of pregnancy and postpartum complications can help you seek care before the situation becomes critical. Here are some key conditions to watch for:
1. Preeclampsia
Signs: Sudden swelling in your hands, feet, or face; severe headaches; vision changes; high blood pressure (140/90 or higher).
What to do: Check your blood pressure at home at least twice a week if normal, and more frequently if advised by your doctor. If your readings are changing, your doctor may recommend daily checks up to three times per day. Call your doctor immediately if your readings are high or if you notice any symptoms.
2. Placental Abruption
Signs: Severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and back pain.
What to do: Seek emergency care immediately—this condition requires urgent medical attention.
3. Preterm Labor
Signs: Regular contractions before 37 weeks, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or changes in vaginal discharge.
What to do: If contractions are five minutes apart or less, lasting at least 60 seconds, call your provider or head to the hospital.
4. Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)
Signs: Heavy bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour), dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
What to do: Call 911 or go to the ER—PPH is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.
5. Infections (Chorioamnionitis, Endometritis, Mastitis)
Signs: Fever, chills, abdominal or breast pain, foul-smelling discharge, or flu-like symptoms.
What to do: Contact your provider right away, as untreated infections can become life-threatening.
Preparing for Postpartum Recovery
Postpartum recovery can be challenging, especially if follow-up care is delayed or hard to access. Here’s how to prepare:
Stock up on essential supplies: Include pads, pain relief medication, stool softeners, and pre-cooked meals. Having these items on hand will make the first weeks at home more manageable.
Monitor your health: Use a thermometer and blood pressure monitor to check for fever or hypertension. If your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90, contact your provider immediately.
Identify emergency contacts: Keep a list of emergency numbers, including your OB-GYN and local hospital. If possible, have a trusted friend or family member available to help with childcare, errands, and emotional support.
Building Your Support Team
Having the right support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum can make a significant difference in your experience and outcomes. Consider including the following people in your support team:
A partner or trusted friend: Bring someone who can advocate for you during labor and help ask questions if you feel overwhelmed.
A certified doula: Doulas provide emotional and physical support during labor and can help advocate for your preferences. Research shows that having a doula can reduce the likelihood of interventions and improve birth outcomes.
A knowledgeable healthcare provider: Find a provider who listens to your concerns and respects your decisions. If possible, schedule a consultation to discuss your birth plan and any specific needs you may have.
What to Do if You’re Denied Care
Unfortunately, some people encounter barriers to care due to hospital policies, legal restrictions, or healthcare provider biases. If you are denied care:
Stay calm and document everything: Record the names of healthcare providers, the reasons given for denial, and any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Advocate for yourself: If possible, ask to speak with a patient advocate or hospital supervisor. Be clear and direct about your symptoms and the care you need.
Seek alternative care: Contact other hospitals, urgent care centers, or clinics in your area. In emergencies, call 911 and request transport to the nearest hospital.
Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your legal rights regarding pregnancy and childbirth. If you experience discrimination or medical negligence, consider seeking legal advice.
Final Thoughts
Giving birth is challenging—even in the best of times. In a healthcare system strained by closures, staffing shortages, and legal restrictions, being informed and prepared is more important than ever. By researching your birth options, maintaining access to your medical records, recognizing the signs of complications, and building a strong support team, you can help ensure a safer and more empowered birth experience.
📣 Share this article with anyone who might need it—being prepared can save lives.