Sarah Abo says doctors have ordered her to rest as she shares pregnancy update from hospital.
Pregnant Today presenter Sarah Abo has shared a health update after confirming she won’t return to the breakfast program before beginning maternity leave.
The 40-year-old, who is expecting her first baby with husband Cyrus Moran, revealed she’s been in and out of hospital after developing high blood pressure during her pregnancy.
Sarah Abo reveals why she won’t return to Today
After signing off from Today last week, Sarah had hoped to return to the show for an on-air farewell. However, doctors have advised her to rest, meaning viewers won’t see her back behind the desk before welcoming her baby.
Sharing two photos from hospital on Instagram on Wednesday, Sarah reassured followers that both she and her baby are doing well despite the unexpected setback.
“Copped a bit of a curveball last week with high blood pressure and have been in and out of hospital since,” she wrote.
“Thankfully I’m in the safe hands of magnificent doctors, nurses and midwives taking incredibly good care of bub and me and we are both well. They have ordered rest as they monitor me though!”
Sarah also confirmed the change means she won’t get the chance to say goodbye on air.
Her Today colleagues shared the update with viewers
Earlier on Wednesday, stand-in hosts Sylvia Jeffreys and Charles Croucher told viewers that Sarah would not be returning to the program before maternity leave.
They explained she had been hoping to come back for one final appearance, but doctors had instructed her to prioritise rest.
“We were looking forward to saying goodbye to her, but doctors’ orders mean that that’s not possible right now,” Charles said.
Sylvia added: “She is reading all of your messages, she wants you to know, particularly these past few weeks, and it means the world to her, so please keep them coming in as well.”
Sarah previously opened up about her difficult road to pregnancy
Sarah announced she was expecting her first child live on Today in March, becoming emotional as she shared the news with viewers.
“I’m going to try and fail to maintain my composure. But yes, Cyrus and I are expecting a little baby,” she said.
While celebrating the exciting milestone, Sarah also spoke candidly about the challenges she faced on her journey to pregnancy.
“It hasn’t been the easiest journey to get here… It’s not as easy as you sometimes think that pregnancy will be,” she said. “So, it has been a bit of a bumpy ride, but here we are.”
“As much as I’d like to bury my head in the sand and not address it… we’re almost halfway now.”
Her co-host Karl Stefanovic, who has since left Today, became emotional while offering his support.
“I work next to you every day, and I know you had some dramas… your strength and courage during that was unbelievable,” he said.
She’s helping shine a light on fertility struggles
Sarah also used the moment to speak openly about the emotional reality of fertility struggles, hoping her story would help other families feel less alone.
“We take so much for granted… when it comes to pregnancy and fertility, we’re almost conditioned to,” she said.
“Instead, for some of us, it’s about dodging glances, dodging questions, submitting to appointment after appointment, test after test, jab after jab.”
“I wish there was a bit more awareness, education and less stigma… hopefully talking about it more helps.”
What is high blood pressure during pregnancy?
High blood pressure affects around 1 in 10 pregnancies and can develop before or during pregnancy. It often has no symptoms, which is why it’s checked at every antenatal appointment.
If left untreated, it can increase the risk of complications, including pre-eclampsia, a serious condition that requires prompt medical care.
Common symptoms can include persistent headaches, blurred vision, swelling of the face or hands, and pain below the ribs.
With close monitoring and treatment, most women with high blood pressure go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
