Pregnant women and new mothers’ experiences and needs in Australian natural disasters: a narrative review

Pregnancy and new motherhood are common experiences of women. Ensuring that the needs of women are properly included in disaster planning requires these circumstances to be considered and addressed. This review explored the experiences of pregnant women and new mothers during emergencies in Australia. Experiences of pregnant women identified related to bushfire smoke exposure, restricted access to health care, physical impediments of pregnancy, maternal nutrition detriments, mental health effects and support, post immediate disaster effects and research gaps. Experiences of new motherhood or infant care identified included being the primary and often sole caregiver, emergency preparedness and evacuation challenges, the continuing care needs of infants, bushfire smoke exposure, physical impediments of caring for an infant and health care access issues. Domestic violence and socio-economic and other disadvantages were cross-cutting issues for pregnant women and new mothers as were their roles as emergency responders and essential workers. Motherhood should be recognised as an inter-sectional status requiring specific consideration and support during disasters. Further research as well as specific planning and resource development should be undertaken to take account of the particular needs of women.