An expert from the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has advised pregnant women to avoid performing the Haj pilgrimage in the first and last three months of pregnancy.
Pregnancy, however, does not deter women from exercising Haj rituals unless they suffer from other ailments which may cause adverse affects on the foetus, according to Dr Shamsah Abduallah, Consultant of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at HMC.
It is preferable that pregnant women should have passed the critical first three months of pregnancy. It is also advisable that women should avoid performing Haj during the last three months of pregnancy which may lead to premature delivery or cause deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism due to lengthy sitting during the journey and the practicing of rituals.
Shamsah said women intending to perform Haj should ensure they are free of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, acute anaemia or ailment of any vital organ of their bodies.
“Women normally experience sensitive stages during pregnancy where they witness considerable body changes which may hamper them from performing their ordinary daily activities, but, should they enjoy healthy and sound bodies they can overcome complications of the pregnancy without any side effects,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of taking considerable quantities of liquids, healthy diet and abiding by the instructions of the physicians accompanying the Haj delegation.
Dr Salwa Bu Yaqoub, Consultant of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at HMC said pregnant woman can normally perform Haj provided that they consult the physician to ensure that they are not suffering from any ailments which may affect them or their foetuses.
She advised pregnant Haj pilgrims not to expose themselves to direct sunlight, use wheelchairs during Tawaf and Saie, avoid crowds and take necessary precautions not to get infections and colds.
The Supreme Council of Health has deployed specialised health teams including well-manned and equipped ambulances at the holy sites in Mecca, Mina and Arafat to look after the welfare of pilgrims from Qatar.
There is also a round-the-clock working clinic, staffed by female physicians, at the Haj committee site.
The Peninsula