Be Prepared: Mom's Emergency Checklist 101

The Perfect Survival Checklist for Pregnant Women

A survival checklist may seem intuitive, but what about if you’re pregnant? Of course, you’ll still need the basics, but there are a few extra things you will want to pack or double-check to make sure you have. Just as you’re “eating for two” you have to “prepare for two”. We want your pregnancy to be comfortable no matter the situation, whether the power is out, a water main breaks or a natural unfortunate weather event, so get your checklist and pen out!

Water

A good rule of thumb is to be stocked for a 3-day supply. Pack at least 1 gallon of water daily per person in your family. Furthermore, water purification tablets are very important! Unsanitary water can harvest bacteria that can be harmful during pregnancy and for young children. These purification tablets are great (and cheap), you can find them on Amazon here. Or you can choose to get water filters (here) or straws with filters (here). It is very important to drink clean water after all our bodies are 70% water and when you’re pregnant you increase the water in your body for the little one growing inside you. So, make sure you have plenty of water and a method of getting clean water.

Food

Unfortunately, unexpected situations are hard on all the foodies out there. Nevertheless, having plenty of nutritious food is important! There are some common survival checklist foods that pregnant women should be CAUTIOUS of. Pregnant women should AVOID canned tuna due to high mercury levels, dented can foods due to possible bacterial contamination and hot dogs due to high nitrates. INSTEAD, try packing non-perishable foods packed with protein like peanut butter, nuts, beef jerky and snacks with high-energy caloric intakes like raisins and other dried fruits. One great idea is to make your own trail mix! My favorite recipe is below. Powdered or canned evaporated milk and juice are also great besides the 1 gallon of water per person you’re bringing.  If you want more ideas about what foods to bring and NOT to bring, check out Hurricane Preparedness Checklist or What TO Eat and What NOT to Eat when Pregnant.

Sanitation and Miscellaneous

Sanitation is key, so pack toilet paper, wet wipes, soaps, shampoo, rain gear, change of clothing, blankets (because shelters do not usually have them), flashlights, battery-powered radio, mobile device charger, and a back-up battery pack. Also keep in mind that when the electricity goes out, water mains are more likely to break, so have plastic silverware and disposable plates to eat off of to avoid food contamination.

Medical Considerations

Pregnant women have decreased immunity, so make sure you have a first aid kit for any minor cuts or abrasions, and that it has Band-Aids and Neosporin. If you live in a warm climate, consider packing insect repellent to avoid the Zika virus (a mosquito carrying virus that can cause birth defects in the baby when mothers are bitten during pregnancy) and sunscreen. 

Since you may be living off non-perishables for a given amount of time pack vitamins! While a few days off your normal eating schedule isn’t the end of the world, it’s important to minimize vitamin deficiencies. So, make sure you have your vitamins for you and your family. And if you’ve been looking for a good vitamin to take or to give to your kids check our blog on all-natural vitamins.

It is also important to be prepared for unpleasant pregnancy symptoms or generalized stomach symptoms. Be sure to pack anti-diarrhea medications and anti-nausea remedies. I highly recommend the NoMo Nausea Band to stop morning sickness and avoid vomiting. These bands are great because they are all-natural, waterproof and last up to two weeks once the package is opened. But, when the package hasn’t been opened they have a long shelf-life, making them PERFECT for your survival kit. You can always pick up NoMo Nausea Kids at your local CVS or order online on Amazon or here at NoMoNausea.com.

 

Important Documents

Don’t forget your ID, passport, and all medical paperwork including your insurance cards. These will be very helpful if you need to evacuate get medical treatment when not at home. Also, make sure to have cash and credit/debit cards because unexpected situations come with unexpected expenditures.

 

The Ultimate Survival Checklist for Pregnant Moms                     (and everyone else too!)

• Water: 1 gallon per day per person.
• Water Purifier: Make sure you have tablets, filters, straws or a combo!
• Food:
  • Peanut Butter, Nuts, Trail Mix, Beef Jerky
  • Dried Fruit, Raisins
  • Powdered Milk and Juices
• Toilet Paper
• Wet Wipes
• Soap/Shampoo
• Rain Gear
• Change of Clothes
• Blankets
• Flashlight
• Battery Powered Radio with batteries
• Charger and Portable Chargers
• Plastic Silverware and Paper Plates
• First Aid Kit
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray
• Vitamins: Check out this blog for the best all-natural vitamins!
• Anti-Diarrheal Medications
• Home Remedies for Nausea (like the NoMo Nausea Band)
• ID, Passport, Medical Paperwork, Insurance Cards
• Cash and Debit/Credit Cards