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Pregnancy during Ramadan

By Lifeline Hospital, Health & Wellness Partner


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Lifeline Hospital
Health & Wellness Partner


February 05, 2019

Many pregnant women are burdened by the question of whether they should fast for Ramadan, and this is why we have written this article that contains everything you need to know about pregnancy and fasting. Ramadan is a month of fasting, an Islamic belief where Muslims commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad and, as we all know, it has great religious significance.

The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset every day, and people do not drink or eat anything during the daylight hours. Ramadan takes place in the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and it lasts either 29 or 30 days, which can make it difficult for pregnant women to keep up with the strict fast.

There is some medical evidence that shows that fasting during pregnancy is not exactly a good idea, especially for pregnant women who have diabetes. On the other hand, if you are feeling strong and healthy, you may fast during the Ramadan, but before you make any decision, make sure to visit your doctor for advice and a check-up.

Are You Obliged To Fast?

The Islamic law does not oblige a pregnant woman to fast if they are not able to do so, meaning that if you feel unwell or believe that fasting will harm your baby, you have the right not to fast during Ramadan. Instead of that, you can perform Fidyah, as a method of compensation for missing the act of worship. If you are unsure about fasting during Ramadan, you can consider fasting for several days to see how you feel and then seek advice from your doctor.

How Will Your Body React To Fasting?

If your lifestyle and weight are overall healthy, then you will cope better throughout the whole fasting process. Your baby requires a lot of nutrients, and if you have enough of them stored in your body, then fasting will not have a big impact. How will your body react to fasting also depends on your overall health, the stage of your pregnancy and the length of fast during the day. 

Preparation for Fasting:

It will be best to plan ahead if you are intending to fast for Ramadan during your pregnancy. You should consult with your doctor before you start to make sure that you are in good health. Also, you can schedule checkups throughout the month to be sure that your body is handling everything in the right manner.

Create a meal plan so that you be sure that both you and your baby have all the needed nutrients. Before the fast, cut down caffeinated drinks and sugary snacks, to reduce the chances of withdrawal headaches that may occur.

What to Eat When Breaking Fast?

You need to prepare a variety of healthy foods and enough drinks to have at Suhur and Iftar. When you break your fast drink a large glass of fruit juice or water. Make sure to choose foods that release the energy slowly like dried fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates like wheat, beans, oats, lentils, and basmati rice.

Eat fiber-rich foods like cereals, potatoes, and fruits, because they also digest slowly. Opt for foods that are high in protein, to ensure your baby is growing nicely, and avoid refined carbohydrates and fatty foods like chocolates, sweets, and cakes. Take your prenatal vitamins and drink a lot of water to make sure that your body is well hydrated.

If you see some of these warning signs make sure to inform your doctor immediately. If you have developed a headache, your pulse has increased, you feel nauseous, you are not putting on weight, or in the worst case scenario, you are losing weight, contact your doctor immediately.  If you feel you can fast, you need to take care of both yourself and your baby, and if you find it to be too difficult, give your thanks to Allah for that special gift he has given you, and make up for these days later.

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