How should I respond to an earthquake during pregnancy?

The BabyCenter India editorial team

Our panel of health writers.

How you respond to an earthquake depends largely on where you are when the earthquake strikes.

Everybody's first instinct when an earthquake strikes is to run outside. If you are indoors and on the ground floor, it might be possible, though not always. If your office or home is on higher floors, you might not get the time to run down and it might not even be safe to attempt it, especially if you have a big baby bump.

Your office will probably have a response plan ready which will indicate where to go or what to do in case of an earthquake. Ensure you are familiar with their safety guidelines.

If you are caught indoors at home when an earthquake strikes, disaster management organisations from around the world recommend the drop, hold and cover approach. This means that you start by dropping gently onto your hands and knees. This position prevents you from falling, protects your baby bump and allows you to crawl to a safe place where you can take refuge until the shaking stops. When you get to your safe place, hold on tight and protect your head with your arms.

Your safe place can be:

  • Under a strong table, desk or bed. Hold onto the furniture tightly so that it doesn't move away. This will protect you from any falling objects or debris. Ensure the table or desk does not have a breakable top that can fall on you such as glass or marble. If you have a big baby bump, make sure you can fit under your furniture of choice comfortably.
  • Next to an interior or load bearing wall that doesn't have any wall hangings, split AC or electrical lights.

Stay away from objects that may shatter or fall such as:

  • sliding glass doors
  • windows panes
  • hanging lights, lamps and electrical fixtures
  • wall mounted TVs, ACs or music equipment
  • mirrors, wall hangings and paintings
  • tall book cases and display shelves
  • overhead cabinets and wall units
  • hanging plants

Standing in a door frame, though commonly suggested, isn't a reliable way of protecting yourself. If the door frame isn't sturdy it may give way and this place won't protect you from falling or flying objects.

Once the earthquake has stopped, get out of your safe place and exit the building. Strong aftershocks are common so it's best to be outdoors for the next round of shakes. Don't use the lift or escalator. Walk down the stairs at a comfortable pace and hold on to the railing for additional support. People tend to push or run down in such situations, so be cautious.

If you are already outdoors when the earthquake strikes, get onto your hands and knees so that you don't lose your balance and crawl to a place that is a good distance from anything that can fall. Don't stay near a building, wall, monument, advertisement boards, water bodies, steep slopes, under a tree or close to an electrical pole. Once the shaking stops and you are ready to go back in, be sure that the building is safe first.

If you are in a movie hall, restaurant, mall or a crowded place, there is always a risk of injuries due to the rush or a stampede that can sometimes result from public panic. Try to keep out of the way of the crowd. Look for a safe place you can crawl to that fits the criteria mentioned above for your home. Stay there until the shaking stops and the crowds thin.

If you are in a car when an earthquake strikes, try to stop as soon as possible. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops. You may want to turn on the radio for news updates. Bear in mind that strong earthquakes may cause cracks in the road, so be careful when you start driving again. Also look out for fallen billboards, street lights or damaged overpasses.

It goes without saying that experiencing an earthquake is likely to be very frightening and stressful. You should speak to your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after:

Any injuries or falls should also be reported to your doctor. Read more about pregnancy symptoms you shouldn't ignore.

Earthquakes and aftershocks can't be predicted and come without warning. If you live in an earthquake prone area, you should prepare a response plan and practice it in advance. This will help you remain calm and react in a calculated manner when one strikes rather than react under panic. Also keep an emergency kit ready so you have a few essential supplies in case the need arises.


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