OB-GYN Warns Pregnant Women against Flying in Late Pregnancy Following TikTok trend
A London-based obstetrician-gynecologist is urgently advising expectant mothers against following a dangerous trend popularized on TikTok: concealing thier pregnancy to board flights, notably in the late stages of gestation. The warning comes amid concerns about potential complications, including excessive bleeding and the need for neonatal intensive care.
Many long-held beliefs about pregnancy restrictions are being re-evaluated, with experts now encouraging activities like bathing and exercise. However, some guidelines remain crucial for the safety of both mother and child.
The concern was sparked after a pregnant woman shared on TikTok that she flew to France at 38 weeks gestation,actively hiding her baby bump at the airport. Dr. Brooke Vandermolen (@theobgynmum) responded with a plea: “Please, please do not lie about how pregnant you are to get on a flight.”
“Babies can sometimes arrive very quickly and sometimes complications can happen just as fast,” Vandermolen cautioned. Potential complications associated with flying during late pregnancy include hemorrhage, excessive bleeding requiring intervention, the need for infant CPR, premature labor, NICU admission, and shoulder dystocia – a potentially dangerous situation were the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged during delivery.
Generally, medical professionals recommend avoiding air travel after 36 weeks for domestic flights and between 28 and 35 weeks for international travel, according to guidance from Johns Hopkins Medicine. The American College of Obstetricians and gynecologists (ACOG) similarly advises against flying past 36 weeks, emphasizing the increased risk of emergencies during the third trimester.
The third trimester,along with the first,presents the highest risk of complications during pregnancy. “As you get further along, pregnancy gets more unpredictable,” Vandermolen explained.
Beyond the immediate risk of in-flight delivery,the quality of medical care available abroad can be variable. Expectant mothers may also encounter difficulties with insurance coverage and ample medical expenses should labor begin mid-flight. Airline policies regarding pregnancy also differ, though ACOG recommends obtaining a “proof of due date” letter from a physician prior to travel.
Vandermolen expressed her worry that the TikTok video could mislead other pregnant women into believing the practice is safe.”Your baby’s safety is not worth putting at risk,” she stated firmly. The risks associated with travel are amplified by pre-existing pregnancy complications and gestational age.
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The physician also highlighted that the potential for unforeseen medical issues increases as pregnancy progresses, making proactive caution essential for a healthy outcome.
Why: Dr. Brooke Vandermolen, a London-based obstetrician-gynecologist, issued a warning after a TikTok video showed a pregnant woman concealing her pregnancy to fly at 38 weeks. The concern stems from the increased risk of complications during late pregnancy, including premature labor, hemorrhage, and the need for neonatal intensive care.
Who: The warning is directed at expectant mothers, particularly those considering flying in the late stages of pregnancy. Dr. Vandermolen is the primary source of the warning, backed by guidance from Johns Hopkins Medicine and ACOG.
What: A dangerous TikTok trend of pregnant women concealing their pregnancies to fly is prompting medical professionals to advise against air travel after 36 weeks for domestic flights and between 28-35 weeks for international travel.
How did it end?: The story concludes with Dr. Vandermolen expressing concern that the TikTok video will mislead others and reiterating the importance of prioritizing the baby’s safety. The situation hasn’t “ended” in a definitive way, but rather highlights an ongoing risk and a call for
