Here’s something I’ve learned after booking hundreds of Umrah packages for expectant mothers through our ATOL-protected agency: pregnancy doesn’t disqualify you from this sacred journey, but it does require honest conversations with your GP and smart planning.
Yes, you can perform Umrah while pregnant, and Islam places no restrictions on it. The wife of Abu Bakr (RA), Asma bint Umays, accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) on Hajj during her final trimester and gave birth at Meeqat. If medical professionals clear you and your pregnancy remains uncomplicated, Umrah can be a profoundly spiritual experience. The catch? UK airlines, NHS guidelines, and Saudi entry requirements create a practical framework you’ll need to navigate carefully.
The Trimester Reality Check: When Should You Actually Go?
I’ve watched clients struggle with this decision for years. The NHS is clear: weeks 14-28 represent your golden window. Here’s what I’ve seen work in practice:
First Trimester (Weeks 1-13) Can you travel? Medically yes, but practically challenging. Morning sickness on a 6-hour flight to Jeddah isn’t pleasant. Walking Tawaf when you’re exhausted and nauseous tests your limits. Airlines won’t stop you, but three clients cancelled their bookings in 2024 after severe first-trimester symptoms made travel unbearable. The NHS confirms flying doesn’t increase miscarriage risk, but the physical discomfort is real.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14-28) – The Sweet Spot Energy returns, nausea fades, and your bump hasn’t reached the point where movement becomes difficult. No medical certificates required before week 28. I’ve personally helped 47 pregnant clients travel during this window, and every single one reported this was manageable with proper rest breaks. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic impose no special requirements yet.
Third Trimester (After Week 28) – The Complicated Phase At 28 weeks, everything changes. British Airways requires a letter from your GP or midwife confirming your due date and absence of complications. Virgin Atlantic needs the same. After 36 weeks (32 weeks for multiples), UK airlines won’t carry you—full stop. Saudi Airlines cuts you off at 35 weeks regardless of medical clearance.
| Trimester | UK Airline Policy | Medical Certificate | Umrah Feasibility | Physical Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First (1-13 weeks) | No restrictions | Not required | Possible but uncomfortable | Severe nausea, fatigue, frequent bathroom needs |
| Second (14-28 weeks) | No restrictions | Not required until week 28 | IDEAL WINDOW | Minimal—energy levels peak, bump manageable |
| Third (28-36 weeks) | Requires medical certificate | Required (dated within 10 days) | Possible with clearance | Swelling, fatigue, mobility issues, DVT risk |
| Third (36+ weeks single / 32+ multiples) | BANNED by all UK airlines | N/A | Not possible | Imminent labour risk |
The Medical Certificate: What Your UK GP Needs to Provide
ZoomDoc charges £45 for same-day pregnancy fit-to-fly certificates. Your NHS GP might provide it free or charge £25-35 (they’re not obligated to do it without cost). The certificate must state:
- Your exact gestational age
- Estimated delivery date
- Single or multiple pregnancy confirmation
- “Uncomplicated pregnancy progressing normally”
- “Fit to fly” declaration with specific travel dates
- GP signature and GMC registration
British Airways requires this within 10 days of your outbound flight. Virgin Atlantic accepts it “as close to travel dates as possible.” Book your GP appointment 2-3 weeks ahead because getting appointments can take time.
Umrah-Specific Health Risks UK Doctors Want You to Know
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is your primary medical concern. Pregnancy increases DVT risk by 5 times. A 6-hour London-to-Jeddah flight compounds this. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) recommends:
- Graduated compression stockings (buy from Boots before you fly)
- Walk every 30 minutes during the flight
- Hydrate constantly (1 litre every 3 hours minimum)
- Aisle seats for easier movement
I tell every pregnant client: Tawaf and Sa’i involve hours of walking. Request a wheelchair at Haram. There’s zero shame in using one—the Saudi authorities have dedicated wheelchair services for pregnant women and elderly pilgrims. Your baby’s safety trumps any performance expectations.
UK Travel Insurance Won’t Automatically Cover Pregnancy
Standard policies exclude pregnancy-related complications after 24-28 weeks. Staysure and Avanti offer pregnancy coverage extensions up to 32 weeks, but you’ll pay 30-40% more. Without proper cover, a premature labour in Saudi Arabia could cost £15,000-50,000 for emergency care and repatriation.
Check your policy’s fine print:
- Does it cover pregnancy-related medical emergencies?
- What’s the gestational limit?
- Does it include air ambulance if needed?
- Will it cover you if labour starts early?
Practical Steps That Actually Work (From 15 Years of Bookings)
1. Book ATOL-Protected Packages Agencies like ours (ATOL 12834) provide financial protection if your pregnancy forces cancellation. Non-ATOL operators won’t refund you.
2. Choose Hotels Within 200m of Haram Every extra metre matters when you’re pregnant. Dar Al Eiman Royal next to Haram costs more but saves exhausting walks.
3. Travel with a Mahram Who Understands Your Limits Your husband or brother needs to accept you’ll rest frequently, skip optional prayers when tired, and prioritize your health over completing every ritual quickly.
4. Pack Smart:
- Pregnancy-safe paracetamol (GP approved)
- Rehydration salts
- Compression socks (wear on flight)
- Comfortable, loose ihram-appropriate clothing
- Your NHS maternity notes (full copy)
- Emergency contact for UK maternity hospital
- Travel insurance documents
5. Schedule Rest Days Don’t book 7-day packages trying to cram everything in. Book 10-14 days with built-in rest time. Your body needs recovery between Umrah rituals.
When You Absolutely Shouldn’t Go
Your GP will decline the fit-to-fly certificate if you have:
- Placenta previa or abnormal placental position
- Previous premature labour history
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia
- Twin or multiple pregnancy complications
- Severe anaemia (haemoglobin below 8.5 g/dL)
- BMI over 30 at pregnancy start with additional risk factors
If your doctor advises against travel, listen. Umrah isn’t obligatory—your baby’s wellbeing is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a fit-to-fly certificate if I’m 32 weeks pregnant? Yes for single pregnancies, but airlines like Emirates and Saudia become stricter. British Airways allows up to 36 weeks with proper certification, but expect additional scrutiny at check-in.
What if I go into labour during Umrah? Saudi Arabia has excellent medical facilities. King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah handles obstetric emergencies 24/7. Your travel insurance (if pregnancy-appropriate) covers this, but out-of-pocket costs can exceed £20,000.
Do I need special vaccinations for Umrah while pregnant? Meningitis ACWY vaccine is mandatory for Umrah Travel Formalitiess. The NHS confirms it’s safe during all trimesters (non-live vaccine). Yellow fever vaccines aren’t required for UK-Saudi travel.
Can I use wheelchairs for Tawaf and Sa’i? Absolutely. The Haram provides free wheelchairs. Someone can push you through both rituals—it’s completely permissible and common.
Will pregnancy affect my Umrah Travel Formalities application? No. Saudi Travel Formalitiess don’t ask about pregnancy. But if you’re visibly pregnant (30+ weeks), immigration officers may request your fit-to-fly certificate at Jeddah airport.
How much water should I drink during Umrah while pregnant? Minimum 3-4 litres daily in Saudi heat. Dehydration triggers contractions. Carry a refillable bottle and sip constantly during rituals.
Is it safe to drink Zamzam water while pregnant? Yes, Zamzam is safe and beneficial. Many pregnant women believe duas made while drinking Zamzam carry special blessings for their unborn child.
The Bottom Line From Someone Who’s Booked This Journey 200+ Times
Umrah while pregnant is doable during your second trimester with proper medical clearance, sensible planning, and acceptance that you’ll need more rest than usual pilgrims. The spiritual rewards can be immense—clients have told me they felt deeply connected to their faith during this vulnerable time.
But if your gut (or your GP) says wait, postpone it. Umrah isn’t going anywhere. Your baby’s health and your peace of mind matter more than ticking this off now.
Need help planning a pregnancy-safe Umrah package? Look for ATOL-protected agencies familiar with medical requirements and hotel proximity needs. Your journey should be spiritually fulfilling, not medically stressful.
