Heavily pregnant Arabella Chi sparks concern with ‘sunburnt’ bump as she’s forced to defend decision to fly
ARABELLA Chi has sparked concern amongst her fans by sharing her latest holiday snaps.
The 34-year-old is due to give birth next month and has jetted away to enjoy some last minute sunshine.
Excited Arabella has posted a number of pictures from the trip, but eagle-eyed followers are concerned she’s enjoyed a bit too much sun.
In one image, the Love Island star’s stomach appears a little pink and one person questioned: “Have you burnt your belly or is it pregnancy related?”
A second added: “Surely not sunbathing, pregnant.”
While a third warned: “Looks burnt from the sun, many woman don’t realise that due to hormonal changes in the body it’s very easy to have skin melasma and once its on the skin it doesn’t go away very easy.
“It takes months or even a year, some sun exposure during pregnancy is food for vitamin D but all sorts of problem can occur if this is not taken seriously like heat exhaustion, dehydration, folic acid reduction, potential fatal risks.”
Mum-to-be Arabella didn’t address her bump but she did explain about her decision to fly so late on in her pregnancy.
She shared: “Had lots of questions about pregnancy and flying British air ways allow you to fly up to 36 weeks with a fit to fly certificate from a midwife
“So we decided to squeeze in one last trip to my second home and spend a few days with friends and family. Crazy to think that next time Lam on a flight I’ have my little girl on my lap.”
Arabella, who entered the famous villa in 2019 and again for the All Stars spin-off in 2024, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Billy Henty.
The couple dated in secret before she went public in September 2024.
Discussing their whirlwind romance, Arabella previously told the Mirror: “If you’d have said to me a year ago that I would be having a baby I would have laughed in your face.
“I’ve learned to trust the timing of your life because life will happen how it’s supposed to happen. I can’t wait to become a mum to a baby girl.
“I can’t believe that a year and three months ago I was in the Love Island villa. I feel so lucky to have found my forever partner.”
Can you fly when pregnant?
Air travel is generally safe for expectant mums who are having an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Most experts agree that so long as it is a low risk, it is safe for expectant mums to fly.
There is no evidence that increased radiation and changes in air pressure can cause miscarriage, early labour or the waters to break.
However, if a woman has been suffering problems during her pregnancy, experts say it might be better to avoid travelling by plane.
Should your pregnancy involve any issues outside of the norm, it is best to consult your GP before making any travel plans.
One of the most important things is to ensure that both you and your child are covered by your travel insurance.
When should you not fly when pregnant?
All airlines have their own policy when it comes to accepting pregnant passengers for travel.
However, most experts say that pregnant women should not fly after 36 weeks or 32 weeks if they are expecting twins.
After 28 weeks, most airlines require pregnant passengers to get a letter from your GP or midwife confirming your due date and that you are fit to fly.
In addition, many pregnant women choose not to fly in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when there is a higher risk of miscarriage and are likely to be suffering sickness and exhaustion.