Bioterrorism and the pregnant women

pregnant women and their infants are vulnerable, during and following a bioterrorist event. This event could include the release of biologic agents, such as small pox or anthrax, contracting any of these diseases during pregnancy results in significant morbidity and mortality to the pregnant women, as well as unknown risks to the fetus. Response plans for these events my include use of medications and vaccines for which the effects on pregnant women and fetuses are unknown.

This is a review article. The information is based on searching in Library and internet. Results Understanding the physiology of pregnancy, the factors that influence the teratogenic potential of medications and vaccines and the infection control measures that may stop an outbreak will aid planners in making recommendations for care of pregnant women during bioterrorist event. Prenatal nurses can assist in community preparation for bioterrorist attacks by providing simple, accurate education about what is needed for the pregnant woman before, during and after an event.

Becoming involved in the disaster response planning at the practice site will result in a more confident responder and decrease the possibility of significant clinical symptoms being overlooked during a bioterrorist event.