Abstract
There has long been anecdotal evidence of early labor and delivery in severe weather events leading to preterm birth. In particular, significant barometric pressure changes are associated with hurricanes and bomb cyclones. Some authors have related these low pressure weather events to premature rupture of fetal membranes, hypothesizing that the membranes act as an inflated balloon and respond directly to pressure changes. In this article, the key literature including data supporting this hypothesis is reviewed. A simple numerical model, based on a competition between the driving and resisting forces for fetal membrane rupture, is presented. This model provides a quantitative mechanism for membrane failure in the context of storms with low atmospheric pressure. Other sequelae of severe storms that are unrelated to fetal membrane rupture are also discussed. Labor and delivery in the context of major weather events should be understood in a holistic framework that includes both exogenous and endogenous factors relevant to the pregnant patient.
Highlights
There have been many articles written in the popular press about a potential association between major weather events, such as hurricanes, and early childbirth (LaFrance, 2016; Blau, 2017; Bolluyt, 2018)
The current work aims to examine this hypothesis of preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes (PROM) associated with significant drops in barometric pressure associated with major weather events
The physical mechanics of PROM and barometric pressure change will be elucidated with an analytical model
Summary
There have been many articles written in the popular press about a potential association between major weather events, such as hurricanes, and early childbirth (LaFrance, 2016; Blau, 2017; Bolluyt, 2018). There is some evidence in the scientific literature in support of such an association, between low levels of barometric pressure and premature rupture of the fetal membranes (PROM) (Polansky et al, 1985; Akutagawa et al, 2007). The physical mechanics of PROM and barometric pressure change will be elucidated with an analytical model This will be followed by discussion and conclusions, emphasizing the need for further study on the relationship between major weather events and late-gestation pregnant women, with a view toward potential intervention via evacuation or watchful and conservative medical management
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