Last week, a 42 year old woman gave birth on a Mexican Airlines flight from Guadalajara, Mexico to Chicago. Fortunately, there was an obstetrician on board who helped with the delivery which occurred about an hour prior to landing.
Besides the obvious speculation about the baby’s citizenship… my curiosity was piqued because airlines have the authority to turn away expecting mothers who are in their last month of pregnancy. Why was she allowed on board and why was she taking the risk of traveling so close to her due date?
As I learned during research for my book, Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo, when you’re pregnant, the best time to travel by plane is during the second trimester. The first trimester is usually the most uncomfortable due to morning sickness and the final trimester is just plain uncomfortable with your girth getting ever bigger. Factor in the airlines’ inconsistent policy of traveling during this time, and you’re risking not being allowed on the flight.
Travel wisely. Even though it makes for a great story that your child was born 30,000 feet up, there are too many risks involved (particularly for a woman in her 40’s) to chance a mid-flight delivery.
Happy Travels!
jersu says
Wow, this is the first I’ve heard of this story, amazing. I’m trying to figure out where they had the room to deliver this baby. I can’t even find enough room to open my laptop on the tray table anymore. Maybe they moved her up to first class so she could have a little more leg room.