One of the most rewarding experiences one can have is to fulfil an Umrah, and to have to carry that out with a growing bump is an entirely different experience. You're no longer just going for yourself, but you're going for two.
However, let's get real talk here. When you are just blossoming as a mother, comfort is what you need. The crowds, the heat, and the walking between the Masjid al-Haram and the sa'i path, it all add up quickly.
So, if you are in your pregnancy glow and planning your Umrah, and your mind is wandering what on earth to wear, then you have come to the right place.
Loose Abaya
Your top priority? Space to breathe, literally.
A flowy abaya is a must-buy if you want to perform Umrah. You need an abaya with some trendy options for regular wear, especially during the second and third trimesters. A functional one with enough room to help you breathe as well as flows with you.
When you overheat, your body temperature rises. This change in body temperature may affect your health, but also the health of the unborn little bundle.
It is therefore essential for pregnant women to wear an abaya that allows them to breathe and move easily. It is recommended to wear an open-front or button-down style abaya rather than yanking it up and down.
Breathable Fabric
Saudi Arabia is not a country with a very forgiving environment, and as a pregnant woman, the heat may be a bit of a challenge, especially since your body is already working double time due to the baby, thereby making you’ll feel a bit warmer than usual.
Cotton, linen, and bamboo are great materials to use, especially since these materials can help draw moisture away from the body. Firstly, try to avoid using polyester, especially since this may trap the heat and may even irritate the skin, especially since many pregnant women may already have this problem because of hormonal changes in their bodies.
Light colors may prove to be your best friend, especially since they reflect the sun rather than absorbing it, thereby keeping you cool during your rituals.
Comfortable Hijab
But here's a little secret, not many people will ever tell you: your hijab is more important than you think, especially when you are pregnant and standing for hours a day.
What you have to care for is to try to avoid heavy and layered hijabs, as they can weigh and warm your head and neck area, and trust me, that is something that is definitely not needed when a woman is pregnant and has to stand for hours a day.
Instead, try to use a single-layer jersey hijab or a lightweight and breathable chiffon hijab that does not require any pins, as dealing with pins and navigating through a crowd of people while carrying a baby bump is definitely not something that you want to experience while on a peaceful pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah.
Breathable holes or an underscarf made of light and breathable cotton can make a huge difference in terms of keeping your head cool and comfy.
Some pregnant hijabi mums-to-be like to wear a hijab in the style of the al-Amira, as it is so easy to wear. Simply put it on, and voila! You are ready to go without any distractions and annoyances, and this way, you can focus more on your relationship with Allah, and you won’t have to constantly think about adjusting your hijab every five minutes.
Flat and Cushioned Sandals
Okay, this one is serious, dear mama. You must opt for flat, firm and cushioned sandals during Umrah when you are blooming.
Pregnancy hormones cause the joints and ligaments to loosen up in preparation for delivery. This makes the feet and ankles more prone to rolling and injury. And then there are the thousands of steps on the marble floors! You do not want to tire yourself out or worse, fall, do you?
You can also go for orthopaedic sandals with cushioned insoles, arch support, and a non-slip sole. Some Saudi mamas recommend sandals with memory foam insoles for the Umrah season. Your feet will get you and your baby through each and every step of the tawaf, so do take care!
Extra Inner Dress
The good news is that layering doesn't have to mean overheating but it actually works.
The advantage of using a slip dress or a maternity underdress with your abaya is that it will reduce friction between your skin and the abaya, which is a problem when you’re pregnant because your skin is more sensitive.
The second advantage is that it adds more modesty in case your abaya lifts up or slips, and the third advantage is that it allows you to easily remove your abaya if you’re in a covered area.
The best options for your inner slip dress or maternity underdress are those that are seamless and made from cotton or modal. The advantage you’ll find is that it provides belly support, which reduces the feeling that your belly is being stretched at the sides.
It’s your comfort layer, which nobody will ever see, but you will be thanking yourself for it all day long.
Maternity-Friendly Ihram Style
If your Umrah includes the state of ihram for a male companion, this section is relevant to you too, because you will be walking through the spiritual space together.
For women, no special garment is necessary. You should dress as usual in your simple Islamic attire. However, if you are pregnant, this is the time to enjoy the simplest, most comfortable version of your simple attire. You do not need to dress in anything fancy. Simply simple, loose, and clean is fine.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah advises pregnant pilgrims to consult with a medical professional before travel and to carry documentation of their pregnancy when entering the Masjid. Keep it simple. Keep it clean. Keep it comfortable.
Light Cardigan or Layer
The Masjid Al Haram, even in the heat of Makkah and Madinah, is very air-conditioned, sometimes too air-conditioned! Going from the heat outside to the cool air inside the Masjid can cause sudden changes in temperature, which for a pregnant woman can cause dizziness.
A lightweight cardigan to carry around with you at all times. It is suggested because it can be folded up and placed in your bag, yet can cover up your arms and shoulders when needed due to the air-conditioning.
This can also come in handy for those areas of the Masjid where you might need to cover up. Therefore, a cotton or bamboo cardigan is recommended, not too bulky but handy to carry around with you.
Crossbody Bag
You need your hands free. Full stop.
When you’re pregnant, and you’re in a crowded place, your centre of gravity is off, and your sense of balance is not quite right.
A heavy bag on one shoulder presses on your back. A handbag means one hand is not available for pushing through crowds, holding on for balance, or holding on to your partner for support. A backpack presses on your back.
A small light bag on the body is your friend. It is well-balanced, and you still have the use of your hands for pushing through crowds, holding on for balance, or holding on to your partner for support.
Carry only the essentials: ID, Zam Zam snacks, medication, phone, small prayer book, and your list of du'as. Your baby bump is an additional load.
Minimal Accessories
Less is more here, beautiful mama.
Heavy jewelry, bangles, and rings are not just not required but can also act as a hindrance and a discomfort too, especially if your hands and wrists are slightly swollen due to pregnancy, which is completely normal, by the way!
Swelling, also known as oedema, occurs in up to 80% of pregnant women. This is due to increased blood volume and fluid retention. It is more common in the feet and ankles, but swelling of the hands and wrists is not unheard of.
You can, of course, choose to wear your wedding ring and a simple watch that tracks your steps and heart rate. That’s it. Your glow is the only accessory that you will need.
Medical Support Items
This is about being a smart, prepared mama on this beautiful journey.
Don’t hesitate to bring the following:
Compression socks/leggings. These help alleviate the risk of DVT, which can be triggered by long walks and standing.
Belly support band is a game-changer for alleviating lower back pain and providing a gentle lift for your bump while walking.
Your prenatal records. It’s always a good idea to bring your medical records with you, just in case you need assistance from the medical personnel that are always on standby throughout the Masjid Al Haram.
Water, a snack, and any medication that you need. Zamzam is always available, and it’s also a good idea to bring your own water bottle with you. Saudi Arabia can be very hot!
Conclusion
Making Umrah as a pregnant woman is a personal and spiritual experience that can be quite powerful. You’re carrying a new life that hasn’t yet been born, making du’a for them before they've ever had a breath of air.
But to really let go and be that experience, to cry at the sight of the Ka’bah, to be lost in salah, to feel the weight of your blessings, you need to feel good physically, and that begins with your clothing.
At Blumply, we believe that every blossoming mother deserves to feel supported, modest, and comfortable while standing before the House of Allah.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Clothing Brands in Jeddah