Pregnancy is truly an amazing and wonderful time in a woman’s life. Not everyone would agree, but pregnancy is a miracle of Almighty Allah who creates a human from a clot of blood. It has been stated in the Holy Quran that,

“Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance”. – (Surah Al-Alaq, verse 1 – 2)

Certainly, pregnancy comes with its share of ups and downs, sometimes it becomes hard for a mother-to-be to accept the body changes. And when it comes to fasting in Ramadan, many questions arise on whether or not it is safe for pregnant women to fast. We bring you some tips and advises on the issue so that you and your baby could stay healthy during this holy month.

To Fast Or Not During Pregnancy? What Does Islam Say About It?

It has been mentioned in Quran that,

No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother should be harmed by her child and no father through his child. – (Surah Al-Baqra, verse 233)

There are some hadiths as well which forbids pregnant women from fasting.

It was narrated from Abu Qilabah that a man said: “I came to the Prophet to discuss something and he was eating breakfast. He said: ‘Come and eat.’ I said: ‘I am fasting.’ He said: ‘Come and I will tell you about fasting. Allah has waived half of prayer and fasting from the traveler, and he has granted a concession to pregnant women and the sick”  – (Sunan an-Nasa’i)

What Does Gynecologist Say About Fasting Of A Pregnant Woman?

According to a report published by National Health Services,

There’s medical evidence to show that fasting in pregnancy isn’t a good idea. If a pregnant woman feels strong and healthy enough to fast, especially during the early part of the pregnancy, she may do so. If she doesn’t feel well enough to fast, Islamic law gives her clear permission not to, and to make up the missed fasts later. If she’s unable to do this, she must perform fidyah, a method of compensation for a missed act of worship, such as paying for someone to be fed.

Precautions For A Pregnant Woman If She Is Fasting

1. Take Proper Meal

Make sure you have Sehri as late as possible so that it can keep you healthy all along the day.

2. Increase The Use Of Vitamins And Minerals

Ramadan in summers may cause loss of salts during sweating. Refrain yourself from soda, ice creams or caffeine and add healthy fruits in your meal.

3. Add Calcium In Your Diet

According to gynecologists, a pregnant woman must take one-liter of milk a day because she is not eating for herself only. Prefer skimmed milk or yogurt in sehri and iftar.

4. Avoid Foods Which Can Not Be Digested Easily

The fried items in iftar will make you dizzy and weak. Add summer fruits in your salad platter for iftar which are easy to digest and healthy at the same time.

5. Break Your Fast If…

You are feeling extreme hungry or thirsty, dizziness, weak or slow movements of baby, unconsciousness then break your fast immediately.

Last but not the least, if you can keep fast, take care of yourself and baby. And if not, be thankful to Almighty Allah for what He is blessing you with.