A British Airways flight from London to Boston was diverted after a pregnant woman went into labor.

The plane was unable to reach an airport before the baby was delivered with the help of the cabin crew and two passengers, who may have been medical students.

A BA spokeswoman told Reuters, "The passenger was experiencing some distress. The baby was born shortly before the aircraft landed."

The spokeswoman said the baby arrived six weeks before its due date.

The plane was diverted to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Some passengers were moved to make room for the woman.

The woman and her newborn were taken to a medical center after the plane landed.

BA says pregnant women who are more than 36 weeks pregnant are banned from flying.

The company says its staff are trained in the birthing process.

The spokeswoman said, "It's very rare."