In the literature, it has been reported that the earthquake had a negative impact on pregnant women, as well as material and loss of life (Amarpoor Mesrkanlou, et al. 2023; Kyozuka, et al. 2022; Nishigori, et al. 2014; Watanabe, et al. al. 2016). In the study of İlavaten Mesrkanlou et al (2023); It has also been reported that post-earthquake causes insufficient weight gain in pregnant women, decreased hemoglobin levels, and adverse birth outcomes. (Amarpoor Mesrkanlou, et al. 2023). Again, in the research of Kyozuko et al., (2022); It has been reported that pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension, respiratory diseases and mental disorders increased in pregnant women after the earthquake (Kyozuka, et al. 2022). In their study, Mesrkanlou et al., (2023) reported postpartum depression as 21.3% in 633 pregnant women in the regions affected by the East Japan earthquake (Nishigori, et al. 2014). Watanabe, et al. (2016) reported psychological distress among pregnant women in the Miyagi region of Japan as 4.9% in their study (Watanabe, et al. 2016). In addition, the earthquake may result in negative effects during pregnancy, such as premature birth, low birth weight and hypertensive disorders. (Hawkins, et al. 2019; Lian, et al. 2020; Palmeiro-Silva, et al. 2018). As a result of the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, premature birth was reported as 6.71% in 1057 pregnant women (Hawkins, et al. 2019). In addition, in the study that examined the relationships between earthquake exposure of pregnant women and negative birth outcomes and included 73,493 women, pregnant women exposed to the earthquake had a 2% higher rate of stillbirth and 14.14% higher preterm birth compared to pregnant women not exposed to the earthquake (Lian, et al. 2020). ).

In this context, increased levels of anxiety and depression during pregnancy may affect the comfort level of the pregnant woman (Matvienko-Sikar and Dockray 2017). In addition, prenatal stress is defined as the emotional reactions of the pregnant woman in terms of physical, psychological and social changes that occur during pregnancy, birth, parenthood and baby health (O'Hara and Wisner 2014). Again, inadequate prenatal care increases perinetal stress (Gooijers and Swinnen 2014). In a study conducted in Turkey, it was reported that perinetal stress affected preterm birth the most during pregnancy (Yuksel, et al. 2014). Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable people who may need special support in the event of an earthquake. Therefore, pregnant women should be provided with stronger support after the earthquake.

For this reason, it is important to provide and maintain the care of pregnant women face to face by health professionals after the earthquake (Yamashita, et al. 2019). In addition, the education given to pregnant women is also effective in preventing premature birth and postpartum depression (Çankaya and Şimşek 2021; Dennis and Dowswell 2013). In addition, it has been reported in the literature that the satisfaction of pregnant women is increased with the different education models (home visits, medical care, individualized care) provided during pregnancy. (MOUNTAINS, et al. 2015; Fernandez Turienzo, et al. 2020; Shen, et al. 2022; Swift, et al. 2021). In a meta-analysis study, education during pregnancy reported that women were prepared for pregnancy complications (Ketema, et al. 2020). Lack of information and fear of the unknown during pregnancy and birth increase the stress of pregnant women (Uludağ, et al. 2022).

These results emphasize the need for follow-up and education of pregnant women in order to reduce the negative effects on pregnant women after the earthquake. It is thought that individual training and pregnancy follow-up given to pregnant women in the earthquake zone in their living spaces will increase prenatal comfort and reduce the effects of distress, risk perception and birth anxiety.