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29 March 2024

Expectant moms be vigilant before flights

Published
By VM Sathish

Emergency medical experts at Dubai International Airport have alerted travelling public, especially expectant mothers, to take safety precautions before boarding any flight.

They’ve also urged airline staff and cabin crew to be vigilant about fake or incorrect pregnancy certificates issued by some private doctors that could result in an emergency on board.

“There are clear Iata guidelines about allowing pregnant women on board and all airlines should follow these guidelines. Pregnant women can be admitted on board up 32 weeks of pregnancy and beyond that, it is risky,” said a medical expert at the Dubai International Airport Terminal Clinic, handling emergency cases.

“If any expectant mother’s pregnancy status is suspicious, she should be immediately referred to the Airport Medical Centre located in each terminal of Dubai International Airport,” a medical source told Emirates 24|7.

“Sometimes, pregnant passengers produce ‘fit to fly’ certificates from private doctors [when they may not be] and the boarding checking staff have to be vigilant while allowing such passengers on board. If they find such cases, they should bring the patient to the emergency clinic for further screening,” the medical source said, adding that recently a Filipina who was two weeks overdue for delivery was admitted in an emergency situation at Terminal One Clinic of Dubai International Airport.

The Filipina gave birth to a 3.2kg baby boy at the Medical Centre, averting a bigger risk had she boarded the flight and if it had taken off.