Expecting & Empowered: Your Essential Hurricane Prep Guide for Pregnant Moms in Florida & Coastal Regions
Important Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique, and emergency situations—especially during natural disasters like hurricanes—require the guidance of licensed medical professionals. Please consult your OB-GYN, midwife, or healthcare provider to create a personalized emergency plan. Do not delay reaching out to your care team if you have concerns or are approaching your due date. We’re here to help you prepare—not to diagnose, treat, or give medical instructions. This post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
Pregnancy is a journey filled with anticipation—and if you live in Florida or another coastal region, hurricane season adds an extra layer of complexity. As you nurture the life growing within you, proactive hurricane preparedness for expectant mothers becomes more than a precaution—it's a necessity.
This guide offers hurricane safety tips for pregnant women, empowering you to protect yourself and your baby with confidence and clarity.
🩺 1. First Things First: Talk to Your OB-GYN or Midwife
When a hurricane watch or warning is announced, if you haven’t already, your first call should be to your healthcare provider. Based on how far along you are and any pregnancy risks, they’ll help you create a safe plan.
High-risk or third-trimester? Hospitals like Baptist Health and Orlando Health often recommend early admission or shelter-in-place alternatives for pregnant women near term. Talk through these options now—before the storm hits. If you’re near the water or in an evacuation zone, check below.
📍 2. Evacuation Planning for Pregnant Women: Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate. Identify your evacuation zone using FloridaDisaster.org, and know your safest routes to shelters, hospitals, or hotels with medical resources.
Pregnant in your third trimester or have complications? Evacuating early gives you time to avoid traffic, stress, and risk. It’s one of the smartest hurricane prep steps for expecting moms.
🎒 3. Build the Ultimate Pregnancy Emergency Kit for Hurricane Season
This isn’t just a hurricane go-bag—it’s your personal comfort zone. Include:
Two-week supply of medications (prenatal vitamins, prescriptions) in waterproof bags
Printed prenatal records and forms and ID
Comfort items: Maternity pads, favorite pillow, hygiene items
Non-perishable snacks + 1 gallon of water/day (Florida DOH recommendation)
Baby supplies: Diapers, wipes, formula (even if you plan to breastfeed), portable bassinet
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights, extra batteries
🏠 4. Sheltering in Place During Pregnancy: Only If It's Truly Safe
Only stay home if:
You’re not close to your due date
Your OB-GYN advises it
Your home is well-prepared and not in a high-risk zone
Prep steps (Please ask neighbors, loved ones, friends for assistance):
Board windows, secure doors, and bring outdoor furniture inside
Choose a safe interior room, away from glass
Fully charge your phones and power banks
Keep your radio tuned to emergency broadcasts
For List of Prep Items, visit our post for 2025 Hurricane Checklist.
If you feel unsafe or uncertain, trust your instincts—evacuate to a safer location.
🚨 5. Labor Signs During a Hurricane: Know When to Act
Stay alert for:
Regular contractions
Back pain
Water breaking
If you experience any of these signs, contact your doctor or call 911. Keep:
A list of local hospitals and ER’s
Alternate emergency routes
Printed prenatal records ready to grab
Many hospitals recommend that women 38 weeks or more head directly to the hospital or designated hurricane shelter for pregnant women when warnings are issued.
🌬️ 6. After the Storm: Post-Hurricane Health for Pregnant Moms
Storms may pass, but postpartum care and prenatal safety remain critical.
Ensure you have an unblocked path to a hospital or ER.
Avoid overexertion — no heavy lifting or navigating debris
Hydrate constantly
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
📝 7. Extra Hurricane Tips for Pregnant Women in Florida
Share your plans with family or friends ahead of the storm
Call your hospital to learn about maternity storm protocols
Mind your mental health — seek counseling or emotional support if needed
Pregnancy and natural disasters are stressful—don’t hesitate to lean on your support system.
You Got This Momma!
Being pregnant during hurricane season in Florida or the Gulf Coast, or any coast means taking extra precautions—but you're not alone. With the right hurricane prep, clear communication, and medical guidance, you can protect yourself and your baby every step of the way.
You've got this, mama. And we’ve got your back.
🧷 Extra Help: Trusted Hospital and Government Resources for Hurricane Prep
We know this can feel overwhelming—and that's why you're not alone. Florida’s top hospital systems and government sites have created helpful resources just for expectant moms preparing for hurricane season. Here are some trusted links to explore:
Memorial Healthcare: Hurricane Precautions for Expectant Moms
Florida Dept. of Health: Hurricane Tips for Pregnant Women (PDF)
CDC: Emergency Preparedness: Hurricanes, Floods and Pregnancy
Orlando Health: What to Do If You're an Expectant Mom During a Hurricane
💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark these ahead of time, and if possible, print out your favorite guide in case power or internet goes out.
