Can a pregnant woman fast in the month of Ramadan?
Ramadan fasting for pregnant women does not affect the fetus in terms of its weight, length and time of birth. But it may be tiring for women who have some health problems, so she should see her doctor in this case and consult him. If he prevents her from fasting, she must adhere to the doctor’s advice.
What are the cases in which a pregnant mother is advised to stop fasting during the month of Ramadan?
Because refraining from taking fluids for more than 15 hours may put the pregnant at risk of dehydration, which is accompanied by general tiresome, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Results of tests conducted by the pregnant during various stages of her pregnancy may show an increase in percentage of salts or presence of pus in the urine, in which case the pregnant needs to drink a lot of water throughout the day
Some pregnant mothers may face a problem in the lack of blood that carries food to the fetus, and in such case the pregnant needs to eat and drink at intermittent intervals throughout the day, in addition to medications that increase blood thinners to deliver food through the placenta.
Among the complications that usually occur in the last trimester of pregnancy, if a woman suffers from this problem, she is prohibited from fasting during Ramadan, because her health condition requires taking specific doses of medication throughout the day.
If a woman suffers from gestational diabetes, she cannot stop eating and drinking for a long time, and her health condition requires taking specific doses of medication.
In order to be able to keep her two children safe, she is prohibited from fasting the month of Ramadan in this case, especially since she is at greater risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Pregnant women are prohibited from fasting the month of Ramadan in the event of pre-eclampsia, which causes high blood pressure and weight gain, as a result of fluid and salt retention in the body, with high albuminuria.
How do I prepare for fasting?
Plan ahead to make things easier during Ramadan:
- Talk to your doctor, who can check your health and meet your nutritional needs. You may also need to have more frequent checkups while fasting.
- Talk to your boss at work about your work during Ramadan and the possibility of reducing your working hours or taking extra breaks.
- Start writing down your food and drink in a food diary, so that you know what you eat and drink.
- Start being ready early for Ramadan by doing the shopping and errands before fasting.
hat are the warning signs that I should know about while fasting?
Contact your GP for advice as soon as possible if:
- You are not gaining enough weight, or losing weight, which could be harmful to your baby. You probably won't be weighed during your prenatal appointments, so weigh yourself regularly at home while fasting.
- You feel very thirsty, urinating less, or if the urine turns dark, this is a sign of dehydration, and it can make you more susceptible to urinary tract infections or other complications.
- You feel dizzy, faint, weak, confused or tired, even after you get a good rest, break