Is it obligatory for a pregnant woman to fast during the month of Ramadan? Does fasting affect the health of the fetus?

There is not a sufficient and definitive answer, despite the many medical research that has looked at the effects and repercussions of fasting, we cannot be sure whether fasting is safe for you and your baby.

If you are pregnant, you are not required to fast. You can make up what you missed from fasting at a later time and offer penance for fasting.

However, if you wish to fast, it will be safer for you and your baby if you are healthy and strong and your pregnancy is going well.

If you don't feel well enough to fast, or you're concerned about your health or the safety of your baby, talk to your doctor about a general medical exam before deciding to fast.

Another factor is the timing of fasting in the year. If Ramadan falls in the summer, this means that the weather is hot and the day is long, which exposes you to dehydration more.

What have studies shown about fasting in pregnancy?
Some of these studies have shown little or no effects on newborns when their mothers fast. Another considered that those whose mothers fasted when they became pregnant may face more health problems in their later lives, or that fasting during pregnancy may have some impact on the child's intelligence and academic abilities.

Here's what the research has found so far:
There is no difference in the Apgar score of children at birth whether or not their mothers fasted during pregnancy.
Fasting in pregnancy may cause an increase in the incidence of low birth weight, especially if the fasting is in the first stage of pregnancy. However, other studies have found that the difference in birth weight is very small.
Babies whose mothers are silent during pregnancy or at the time of conception may grow up to be slightly shorter and thinner. But again, the difference is very small.
Blood samples were taken from pregnant women, which showed a change in the biological or organic composition, but it did not pose any danger to the mother or the child.

There have been some concerns that poor fetal growth in the womb, or premature birth, could be linked to fasting. Some experts have suggested that more babies are born prematurely during Ramadan, but it varies depending on which country you live in.

How can I cope with fasting?
Women who are at an appropriate weight and generally have a healthy lifestyle seem to react better to fasting. Your baby needs the nutrients that are delivered to him through you. If your body stores enough energy, the effect of fasting may be reduced.

Your body's adaptation to fasting also depends on:
Your pregnancy stage.
The length of fasting during the day.
Your general health before pregnancy.

Fasting in the summer months is likely to be more difficult for you than in the winter due to the longer days and higher temperatures.

What do the rest of the women do?
According to some studies, about three quarters of pregnant Muslim women choose to fast during Ramadan. But everyone has their own different way of following Ramadan rituals.

In Islam, you are required to fast if you are healthy enough to do so. But Sharia law allows you not to fast if you are sick or do not feel well, or if you suffer from diabetes as well as kidney disease or severe vomiting in early pregnancy. You should not overlook this legal permission if you feel that fasting may harm your health or the health of the fetus in your womb.

Only you can estimate how well you are capable of fulfilling this duty and make the appropriate decision. Talk to your family, your doctor, and a Muslim cleric to learn about your options.

How do I prepare for fasting?
Plan ahead to make things easier during the holy month:
Talk to your doctor, who is able to assess your health and any potential complications that fasting may make you more vulnerable to, such as gestational diabetes or anemia. You may want to do more tests while fasting to monitor things like your blood sugar levels. Fasting is not considered safe if you have diabetes and are pregnant.
If you usually consume a lot of caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and cola, try to reduce them before you start fasting in order to avoid headaches as a “withdrawal” symptom. You should have no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day when you're pregnant, which is the equivalent of two cups of instant coffee. Remember that chocolate and green tea also contain some caffeine.
Your doctor or dietitian may help you figure out your diet needs.
Keep a diary where you record what you eat and drink.
Start preparing in advance by doing your shopping for the holy month.
Are there warning signs or signals I should know about?
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if:
You are very thirsty, urinating much less than usual, or if your urine is dark in color and smells strong. This is a sign of dehydration, and it may make you more susceptible to urinary tract infections or other complications.
You get sick (nausea) or start to vomit.
You notice contractions like pain. This could be an indication of a premature birth and you should contact your doctor immediately.
You are not gaining enough weight or are losing weight. You may not have measured your weight during your previous pregnancy appointments, so try to measure your weight regularly at home while you are fasting.
I had a headache or any pain or a high temperature.

You should contact your doctor immediately if:
You find a noticeable change in your baby's movements, eg your baby doesn't move or kick as usual.
You notice pains, such as contractions. This could be a sign of preterm labour.
You feel dizzy, faint, weak, disoriented, or tired, even after you get plenty of rest. Break the fast immediately and drink water with some salt and sugar, or an oral rehydration solution, such as Dioralyte, and call your doctor.
How do I make my fasting during pregnancy easy?
Keep calm and avoid stress. Changes in your routine, shortfalls in eating and water, and eating and drinking at different times can cause you to feel stressed. It was found that pregnant women who fasted during Ramadan had higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the blood compared to those who did not fast.
Take it easy and accept any help you are offered. Although the rest of the family and friends may want to stay up late, you should take care that Ramadan this year is calmer and make it a time for rest as well.
Plan your days so that you can have regular periods of rest.
Avoid walking long distances and carrying or lifting heavy objects.
Stay cool - you can get dehydrated quickly and this can be harmful to you and your baby.
Reduce household chores and do as few as possible.
Ask other women in your family who have experienced fasting during pregnancy for tips and suggestions for dealing with fasting during pregnancy.

What is the best way to break the fast at breakfast?
Choose a variety of healthy foods and drink plenty of drinks at Suhoor and Iftar. Also have a healthy snack, and set your alarm if you need to so you don't miss your pre-dawn meal.
Choose foods that consume energy slowly. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and seeds, high-fiber foods, such as legumes, and dried vegetables and fruits will help make it easier to have a bowel movement, which in turn will help prevent constipation.
Stay away from sugars that raise blood sugar levels quickly, which will also drop quickly and make you feel dizzy and faint.
Make sure you get enough protein from beans, hazelnuts or walnuts, well-cooked meat, and eggs. Protein is needed to help your fetus grow.
Try to drink about 1.5 to XNUMX liters of water or other fluids between sunset and dawn, and avoid caffeinated drinks, such as tea and coffee. Caffeine makes you lose more water when you pee, so you can get dehydrated very quickly, especially if Ramadan falls during the hot summer months.
I am still not sure whether to fast or not, what should I do?
Talk to your doctor and let her perform a general examination for you before you start fasting. If you consult a Muslim cleric, he will likely suggest that you seek medical advice before making your final decision. Consider trying an experiment where you fast a day or two. See how the fast goes for you and then go back to your doctor for a new test.