UAE experts warn couples not to ignore travel risks during pregnancy

In the final weeks of pregnancy, what feels normal can sometimes hide serious risks. Even minor jolts or sudden movements can have consequences that are not immediately visible — but may appear days later. Many risks in late pregnancy are missed because nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Doctors said that this belief is common among couples, especially in the final weeks of pregnancy. If there is no bleeding, no injury and no immediate pain, most people assume there is no danger. A recent case in Dubai showed why those final weeks are different and why travel decisions matter more than many realise.

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Small incident, days later a concern?

At 36 weeks pregnant, an expectant mother was travelling in a car when the driver applied a sudden brake. She did not hit anything. She did not fall. There was no direct injury to her abdomen.

Like many couples, they went home and did not think much of it.

About a week later, at 37 weeks, the woman began to feel light-headed and weak. She came to the hospital and told the nurse, “I just don’t feel like myself.”

Her blood pressure was lower than normal. The symptoms were subtle, but they were enough for the nurse to escalate the case immediately to the doctor.

A scan raised suspicion, and further imaging confirmed placental abruption, a condition where the placenta partially separates from the wall of the uterus. This can reduce oxygen to the baby and cause sudden complications for the mother.

What made the case unusual was the timing. The problem did not appear immediately after the car incident. It showed up days later.

The medical team prepared for surgery, closely monitored both mother and baby, and kept everything ready in case the situation worsened. When both remained stable, doctors proceeded with a normal delivery. The baby was born healthy, and the mother was safe.

Doctors said it ended well, but it could have gone very differently.

Why last weeks change everything

Doctors said that in uncomplicated pregnancies, many women can safely commute or drive until around 36 to 38 weeks, as long as they feel well. “But weeks 39 and 40 are different,” said Dr Meera T. Anto, specialist obstetrician and gynecologist at International Modern Hospital, Dubai.

By this stage, the baby’s head is deeply engaged, the cervix is soft and ready, labour can start suddenly, waters can break without warning, and blood pressure or fetal movements can change quickly.

“In late pregnancy, a woman can go from feeling fine to being in labour or distress within minutes,” said Dr Anto.

That is why routine commuting is generally not advised after 38 weeks, even in low-risk pregnancies. Being stuck in traffic or far from medical care can delay help when time matters most.

Why couples often underestimate risk

For many couples, the thinking is simple that nothing happened that day, so everything is fine. Dr Anto said this is understandable, but risky. “In the third trimester, sudden braking or jerks can cause internal stress that may affect the placenta, even without visible injury or pain,” she said.

Long journeys can also cause dehydration, raise blood pressure, reduce blood flow to the uterus and increase uterine contractions. Importantly, complications like placental abruption may appear hours or even days later.

Warning signs should never be ignored

Doctors said medical review is needed if a pregnant woman experiences dizziness, faintness, a sudden drop in blood pressure, reduced fetal movements, uterine tightening, back pain, vaginal bleeding, new abdominal discomfort, or a strong feeling that something is not right.

“Women often sense subtle changes before monitors do,” said Dr Anto. “A feeling of ‘I don’t feel right’ can be an early warning sign.”

Takeaway for expecting couples

This case was not about panic or dramatic symptoms. It was about listening early, acting calmly and staying close to medical care in the final weeks of pregnancy.

For many couples, the lesson is simple: when pregnancy is near the finish line, even small signs deserve attention.