Your feet are swollen, you’re genuinely unsure what size you are, everything is changing and… nothing fits. It’s time to go shopping (sorry) for some maternity essentials.
ASOS
Sit back in pyjama-clad comfort, warm laptop on your knee, and click away to your heart’s content. ASOS delivers to the UAE in super-speedy time, and the maternity range is huge – and a world away from the frumpy outfits you might be used to seeing – so expect the latest fashions, albeit with more fabric at the front. There’s swimwear, lingerie, jeans and multi-packs of basics like vests, leggings and tees. Be sure to check the sales section to get a bargain.
Asos.com.
Blush & Bloom
This UAE-based company sells beautiful pieces by the likes of Isabella Oliver, Elle Macpherson and Seraphine (including dresses for pregnant bridesmaids), with lingerie, nightwear, nursing pillows, belly wraps and swimwear. It’s easy to use,
and there’s free delivery on all orders over Dhs300.
www.blushandbloom.com.
Destination Maternity
This US import is a well-established hit with mums in the city who know they can pick out designer maternity wear from brands all over the world for just about every occasion their bump may need. The secret weapon is its range of super-stylish maternity nightwear.
Various locations including Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai and Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, www.destinationmaternity.com (04 330 8460).
H&M
You can now shop online at H&M, so you don’t need to trawl the mall to pick up cute tees, nursing tops, dresses, shorts, maternity bras and more, all designed for your growing bump. Much of the range is cotton, so it’s perfect for layering and warmer weather. Prices are reasonable, too so you can afford a selection.
www.ae.hm.com.
Mamas & Papas
Whether you’re a first-time parent, you’ve done it all before or you’re looking to treat someone, Mamas & Papas has got everything you need to parent your way, from clothing and strollers, to car seats and bath time goodies.
Various locations including The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, www.mamasandpapas.ae (04 339 9481).
Marks & Spencer
If you’re British you’ll know and love this popular highstreet store. And it’s a great option during pregnancy too. This UK favourite is your go-to if you need cosy nightwear during your pregnancy, as well as a huge choice of maternity bras (it also has the best tights in town). You can buy online too, though getting a fitting in-store is recommended.
Various locations including Dubai Festival City Mall. Dubai and Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, www.marksandspencer.com/ae.
Mothercare
Shop for you little one’s clothes as well as your own at Mothercare, with its great range of maternity basics. The “over the bump” jeans are so comfortable you may never go back, and the chain also has a good choice of nursing tops and dresses, with clever zips and buttons for when the baby arrives.
Various locations including JBR, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu Dhabi, www.mothercare.ae.
Mums & Bumps
The key to dressing stylishly during pregnancy is to pick out trends you like and adapt them to your new gorgeous body – and Mums & Bumps, the largest online maternity store in the Middle East, is a one-stop-shop that’s been helping mothers-to-be feel confident.
Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.mumsandbumps.com.
Next.ae
With free, speedy delivery to the UAE and a favourable exchange rate, Next is ideal for smarter separates like work trousers and skirts, as well as summery dresses, lots of jeans, nightwear, maternity bras and a nursing collection. And while you’re there, it would be rude not to order a few sweet little outfits for the baby…
www.next.ae.
Old Navy
The collection at this Festival City store isn’t huge, but well worth a look. You’ll find cotton maxi dresses, stretch tops in the same fabric as the main womenswear collection, and jeans, with frequent sales on already purse-friendly prices. Old Navy (part of the GAP group) also has great collections for kids, so this might not be your last trip this shop.
Dubai Festival City Mall, www.oldnavy.com (04 287 8502).
Namshi.com
Bringing together maternity collections from the likes of Topshop, New Look and Dorothy Perkins, Namshi is your place for a fashion fix when pregnant. There are some great products at decent prices. You’ll get your order in record time (next day if you order before 10am), shipping is free on purchases over Dhs100, and returns are free within 14 days, too.
www.namshi.com.
Seraphine
If you need an outfit for a special occasion then Seraphine can help. Famed for its wrap-effect dresses, quality swimwear and leggings so soft they’re like wearing a hug, it’s no surprise that this UK brand is a hit with celebrities; Kate Middleton was a fan during her pregnancies, Hollywood actress Kate Hudson has been spotted in a black one-piece and Mila Kunis wore the jeans. You’ll pay a higher price for the quality, but it’s worth it as you’ll love your new purchases. There are discreet sales, too so make sure you know when to shop.
Dubai Festival City Mall, www.seraphine.com (04 269 4511).
TKD
A gorgeous little boutique in Town Centre mall in Jumeira, TKD is best-known for selling bras in D cup and above. It also has a really pretty range of maternity bras in sizes B to J (and carry sports bras that you can breastfeed in), and can even come to your home for a fitting, which is exactly what every new mum needs. The staff are experts at what bras to buy and when, so do take their advice.
Town Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, www.tkdlingerie.com (04 385 6353).
