Myth: Hurricanes induce labor
 

Hurricane Sandy's potency came in part from the storm’s unusually low barometric pressure, which in theory could cause a pregnant woman’s amniotic sac to break—inducing labor.

The claim isn't new (see this 1985 study in The Journal of Reproductive Medicine), but it is contentious. In 2007 a study in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics suggested that deliveries increase on days with a marked change in barometric pressure. A 2005 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, however, found no relationship between atmospheric pressure and birthrate.

Although the jury may be out on whether hurricanes can induce labor, there are more obvious (and scientifically defensible) worries about hurricanes and pregnant women. Stress is a big one, so is dehydration. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a fact sheet on disaster preparedness for expectant mothers that touches on a few of these points. —Daisy Yuhas

6 Comments

1. 1. hanmeng 04:11 PM 11/9/12

   7. Readers love to click multiple times to read a single article.

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2. 2. Georgevv 12:31 AM 11/10/12

   re: effect of "spring" tides on storm surges. The author states the effect probably would be only a few centimeters. I have observed several spring tides along the central NJ shore and the effect is more like 1 - 2 feet higher than on a week before or after a spring tide. The low tides during spring tides times are extreme also with large areas of wet sand being exposed that is normally covered other times. Another effect on storm surges that I have never seen mentioned is low barometric pressure. Think of "sucking" water up a straw. A drop in pressure of 10% would cause a rise of nearly a meter even if there were no other factors involved!

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3. 3. northernguy in reply to Georgevv 12:34 AM 11/11/12

   
   2. Georgevv...
   
   Thank you for your comment. I thought maybe things are different on the east coast.
   
   Here on the west coast spring tides have significantly greater swings in water movement. The difference can easily be seen by anyone who pays attention. A difference of a couple of inches wouldn't even be noticeable.

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4. 4. Danm1701 in reply to hanmeng 05:40 PM 11/11/12

   I do. I wish I could click every other word. It's so informative and entertaining.

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5. 5. m allworth 11:03 AM 11/12/12

   Is Cumbre Veijo still being monitered?
   
   Let us hope that the volcano holds secure.
   
   Best wishes,
   
   
   Marg.

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6. 6. Christine Gorman 12:02 PM 11/16/12

   hanmeng: Just hit the print button and you'll see the whole article. No extra clicking necessary.

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