Today host Sarah Abo has been forced to begin her maternity leave early, after developing high blood pressure during the final stages of her pregnancy.
The heavily pregnant presenter revealed the news on Instagram on Wednesday, saying she had “copped a curveball” and would no longer be returning to the breakfast program before her planned leave.
“Sorry I’ve been a bit MIA – copped a bit of a curveball on Wednesday afternoon with high blood pressure and have been in and out of hospital since,” she wrote.
“Thankfully I am in the safe hands of magnificent health professionals taking incredible good care of bub and me.
“They have ordered me rest as they monitor me though! Which means I won’t make it back to (the Today Show) to say goodbye to you wonderful people before so abruptly heading on maternity leave.”
Abo thanked her followers for their “beautiful messages of love and support”.
“I seriously pinch myself when I think about how many good people there are out there. So special,” she said.
“A reminder to make sure you look after yourself – pregnant or not! Xx.”
Presenters Sylvia Jeffreys and Charles Croucher later shared the update with Today viewers, explaining Abo had been in and out of hospital after the health scare.
“We have a little news to share with you at home this morning, because, of course, many of our wonderful Today show viewers have been wondering where the beautiful Sarah is,” Jeffreys said.
“She wanted us to share that while her little man isn’t here just yet, last week she received a bit of a curveball with high blood pressure, and she’s been in and out of hospital.”
Jayne Azzopardi, who has been filling in on the program, said she wished Abo had been able to receive a proper farewell before going on leave.
“I wish we could have done a proper maternity leave, baby shower send-off for Sarah,” she said.
“She hasn’t had the easiest pregnancy and I wish it had been different for her because she deserves that.”
Abo’s colleagues and former Today stars were quick to send their support after the announcement.
“Rest up we can’t wait to meet the little man,” Today sports presenter Danika Mason wrote.
Azzopardi added: “we miss you already, but you have more important things to do right now. Hopefully tough pregnancy means dream baby. you deserve it! Little CJ is already a very lucky boy.”
The show’s weekend news reader Lizzie Pearl also shared her best wishes, writing “love to you and the family Sars… can’t wait to meet the little one”.
Abo’s former colleagues from 60 Minutes, including executive producer Kirsty Thomson, also sent their support.
“Take care, SA. Lots of love to you and the family x,” Thomson wrote.
Melbourne news reporter Christine Ahern added: “Sending lots of love! Rest up, can’t wait to meet your little boy”.
Reporter Mia Glover posted: “we love you and that little bubba already! Keep resting we’ll miss you!!”
Former Today co-host Deborah Knight also encouraged Abo to “look after yourself and your bubba”.
Abo announced her pregnancy on air in March after a difficult IVF journey. She previously revealed she had suffered two miscarriages while trying to conceive with her husband of 13 years, Cyrus Moran.
“It hasn’t been the easiest journey to get here, which a lot of people I know have gone through and will go through,” Abo said at the time.
“I know that a lot of our viewers will be going through this too, and it’s not as easy as a lot of people think that it will be. It has been a bit of a bumpy ride but here we are … we’re almost halfway now, and things are going well, it’s good.”
Abo’s early departure comes during a turbulent period for Today, following Karl Stefanovic’s controversial exit from the Nine Network.
Image: Instagram
