Intense airstrikes continued to rain on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, a residential area. The ongoing violence has triggered a mass displacement. As of 3 October, more than 1 million people have been displaced or affected as hostilities escalate, according to officials. Around 541,000 people have fled their homes, over 160,000 seeking refuge in overcrowded collective shelters.

According to UNFPA estimates, some 11,600 pregnant women urgently need access to prenatal healthcare, protection, nutrition, clean water and hygiene services.

Close to 300,000 people have fled into Syria from Lebanon, a figure that includes both Lebanese refugees and Syrian returnees. A majority of those crossing the border into Syria are women and children. 

Around 2,800  pregnant women are estimated to have crossed the border, grappling with the anxiety of not only where to find shelter but also concerns over how to ensure continuity of care and where to safely give birth. About 310 are expected to give birth in the next month.

Khawla was one of them.

Pregnant with her fourth child, she was forced to flee Mount Lebanon with her three small children in tow. They crossed the border into Syria earlier this week.