Sarah Abo Leaves Show Early Over Baby Health Risks

Pregnant Today show star Sarah Abo reportedly made her bosses at Channel Nine aware of her health complications weeks ago amid the drama surrounding her co-host and his subsequent departure from the breakfast program.

According to news.com.au, Abo, who announced she was taking early maternity leave on Wednesday, told superiors at the network that her obstetrician 'was concerned for the safety of her unborn baby' the day she had to announce that Stefanovic was leaving the show live on-air.

Abo, who looked incredibly upset when she shared the news with viewers, reportedly broke down to Nine’s morning television director Steve Burling, telling him her gynaecologist had huge concerns about work stress and the impact it was having on her baby.

'Sarah told Burlo her gyno was extremely worried about the stress her work was having on the baby,' a source told the publication.

'She also expressed her concerns for the entire Today team, who were left sitting in the smoking ruins of the show.'

The publication also claims that Abo, who is in her third trimester, was already under strict orders to 'monitor her stress levels' when Stefanovic aired his interview with controversial far-right British activist , which ultimately finished his career at the network.

Abo and her partner Cyrus Moran announced their pregnancy in March this year after .

IVF pregnancies are usually monitored more closely and classified as high risk by obstetricians.

On Wednesday, Abo confirmed she was .

She had been absent from the program since she signed off last week and did not receive an on-air farewell.

Posting to Instagram on Wednesday, Abo shared a lengthy post explaining that she had been dealing with high blood pressure.

'Copped a bit of a curveball last week with high blood pressure and have been in and out of hospital since,' she wrote next to two photos of herself in hospital.

'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!'

Abo said the unexpected change meant she would not return to Today for a final farewell.

She also thanked fans for the outpouring of support she has received in recent weeks, saying she was overwhelmed by the kindness shown to her and her growing family.

'I seriously pinch myself when I think about how many good people there are out there. So special.'

The journalist reserved special praise for her husband, crediting him for supporting her throughout the difficult period.

'Shout out to my rock who has not left my side,' she joked, adding: 'Harry Kane or Lionel Messi ain't got nothing on this guy!!'

Abo also acknowledged the many viewers who had sent cards and gifts for her unborn son, apologising that it may take her longer than expected to respond personally.

'Just know how incredibly grateful I am,' she said.

She finished her message with a reminder for followers to prioritise their health, writing: 'A reminder to make sure you look after yourself - pregnant or not!'

Earlier on Wednesday morning, Today's stand-in hosts Sylvia Jeffreys and Charles Croucher had announced Abo would not be returning to the breakfast program.

They revealed Abo had hoped to return to the show for an official farewell, but that doctors had told her to rest.

'We were looking forward to saying goodbye to her, but doctors' orders mean that that's not possible right now,' Croucher said.

Jeffreys 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.'

It has been a difficult couple of weeks for the Today show team after Stefanovic abruptly .

In a statement to The Daily Mail, Nine said that Stefanovic could not while also hosting his podcast.

Stefanovic's exit has already fuelled widespread speculation about the future direction of the troubled breakfast program.

Last week, it was reported that Nine is weighing a dramatic overhaul that could see fan favourites Richard Wilkins and Danika Mason shown the door.

As the network scrambles to fill the void left by Stefanovic's departure, insiders revealed a top-secret plan that would see the Today show relocate to Melbourne as part of a sweeping reboot aimed at .

According to news.com.au, the proposal would see the Today show rebuilt around Abo - who grew up in Melbourne - when a major relaunch gets underway in 2027. 

But the Melbourne relocation proposal is not a new idea.

It was first floated by former Nine boss Sam Chisholm more than two decades ago, approximately one year after Stefanovic's rocky debut as a Today show host.