OB-GYN Urges Pregnant Women to Avoid Air Travel in Third Trimester
New York, NY – An OB-GYN is issuing a stark warning to expectant mothers, strongly advising against air travel, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy. Dr. Brooke Vandermolen, known as “theobgynmum” on TikTok, voiced her concerns after a recent increase in reports of pregnant women experiencing medical emergencies while flying, and a viral video of a woman giving birth mid-flight.
The plea comes as travel surges and many expectant mothers plan “babymoons” or are faced with necessary travel for work or family commitments. While guidelines from medical organizations like Johns Hopkins and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) already recommend limiting air travel in the third trimester, Dr. Vandermolen fears these recommendations aren’t being heeded, potentially jeopardizing both mother and baby.
Generally, Johns Hopkins advises women avoid air travel after 36 weeks for domestic flights and between 28-35 weeks for international travel. ACOG similarly recommends against flying past 36 weeks due to the increased risk of emergencies during the third trimester. The first and third trimesters present the highest risk for pregnancy-related issues.
“As you get further along, pregnancy gets more unpredictable,” Dr. Vandermolen explained.She also highlighted the potential for complications related to varying quality of medical care abroad,insurance coverage,and the possibility of going into labor during a flight. ACOG recommends obtaining “proof of due date” from a doctor before traveling, but Dr. Vandermolen believes the risks outweigh the benefits of a vacation.
“I’m honestly worried that other pregnant women might see this and think it’s safe,” she stated. “your baby’s safety is not worth putting at risk.” Individual airline policies also factor into the equation, and travel risks are heightened for those with existing pregnancy complications.
