Passenger gives birth on flight from Jamaica to New York
A passenger aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight to New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Saturday went in to labor and gave birth as the plane was landing, according to the airline and air traffic control recordings.
In the air traffic control recording, the pilot can be heard telling the controller a pregnant passenger has gone into labor and requesting medical personnel at the gate.
In a separate air traffic control recording, the ground controller is heard asking the pilot if the passenger has delivered yet, to which the pilot responds, "Yes, sir!"
The controller then jokingly says the woman should name the baby "Kennedy."
The airline confirmed the birth in a statement to ABC News, saying there was a medical event, "during which a passenger gave birth while enroute from Kingston, Jamaica to New York."
"Upon arrival, the mother and newborn were attended to by medical personnel and are receiving the necessary care," Caribbean Airlines said.
The statement continued, "The airline commends the professionalism and measured response of its crew, who managed the situation in accordance with established procedures, ensuring the safety and comfort of all onboard."
The airline noted there was no declaration of emergency during the flight.
It was not immediately clear how far along the expectant mother was in her pregnancy.
Guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding traveling while pregnant states that while risk factors can change depending on specific pregnancy timelines and conditions, "It's usually safe to travel until close to your due date as long as you take safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey."
"Travel may not be recommended if you have pregnancy complications," the organization states.
ACOG advises pregnant women to speak with a doctor when planning air travel.
Pregnant travelers should consider the possibility of pregnancy emergencies occurring away from their usual care providers, according to ACOG.
According to Caribbean Airlines' expectant mothers policy, pregnant mothers can travel without clearance up to the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.
The airline recommends "that you obtain a doctor's statement verifying the expected date of confinement to prevent the possibility of being denied boarding by check-in staff or barred from entering the destination country by immigration."
According to the airline, between the 32nd and 35th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers should come with medical clearance from a doctor confirming that the mother is expecting a normal pregnancy, "the estimated date of confinement," and confirmation of good health.
The policy notes that "expectant mothers will not be accepted for travel after the 35th week of pregnancy."
