The effects of Nepal's deadly earthquake have taken their tolls on pregnant women, as well. According to The Times of India, an agency that operates under the United Nations announced the about 50,000 pregnant women were foreseen affected by the quake's effects.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) found these pregnant women to be survivors of the said earthquake. About 4,347 individuals died from Nepal's recent massive earthquake.
As of Monday afternoon, the death toll in Nepal reached 4,000 casualties, as reported by The Associated Press via The Huffington Post.
Priya Marwah, a UNFPA humanitarian activities coordinator based in the Asia-Pacific, emphasized the importance of attending to the needs of women, especially those who are expecting, in disasters such as the Nepal earthquake. Marwah said, "In times of upheaval or natural disasters, pregnancy-related deaths and gender-based violence soar."
"Many women lose access to essential reproductive health services and give birth in appalling conditions without access to safe delivery services and lifesaving care," Marwah added.
UNFPA works in close coordination with global government and humanitarian agencies to provide immediate relief to calamity stricken Nepal.
A UNFPA executive director, Babatunde Osotimehin said, "The fund is particularly concerned about the fate of pregnant women who have been affected by this tragedy, including those who might face potentially life-threatening complications."
There were women who even gave birth outdoors on the field, after the earthquake struck Nepal, according to Matt Darvas who is a World Vision communications officer.
The Huffington Post revealed that countless hospitals in Nepal cater to a full house of patients. Hence, these facilities were not able to accommodate any more expectant mothers under their wings. Meanwhile, some women dread hospital services due to fears of aftershocks.
"I saw one baby born in front of me, an incredible testimony to the power of life amidst so much death and chaos," one survivor shared.
The UNFPA reporedly sent out reproductive health tools to Nepal. These tools are necessary for vaginal tears, blood transfusions, and other medical needs in relation to child birth.
Natasha Loewen, a sister of a Nepal earthquake survivor, expressed her gratitude upon learning her loved one was safe. Loewen's sister, Nicole Dawes, has been residing in Nepal for three years.
CBC Canada reported Loewe's story on Tuesday in CBC's "Up to Speed."
"My heart was just pounding and I immediately ran to my iPad, just praying there would be some word from Nicole and sure enough, there was a text," she shared.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal on Saturday.
