Fasting appears to be safe if:
- you feel strong and well enough
- your pregnancy is going well
- you're in your second trimester
However, if you don't feel well enough, Islamic law
gives you clear permission not to fast. You should talk to your GP or midwife and
get a general health check before deciding to fast.
Some studies show little or no effect on newborn babies whose mothers fasted. Others suggest health problems later in life, or that children's academic abilities may be affected if their mothers fasted during pregnancy.
Most of the studies on fasting in pregnancy are small, so it's difficult to know for sure. And it's hard to compare different studies in different countries, which are carried out in different ways.
One factor is the time of year that the fast takes place. Where fasts last longer and temperatures are high, dehydration may be a concern. So if Ramadan coincides with summer, this means hot weather and long days
Some studies show little or no effect on newborn babies whose mothers fasted. Others suggest health problems later in life, or that children's academic abilities may be affected if their mothers fasted during pregnancy.
Most of the studies on fasting in pregnancy are small, so it's difficult to know for sure. And it's hard to compare different studies in different countries, which are carried out in different ways.
One factor is the time of year that the fast takes place. Where fasts last longer and temperatures are high, dehydration may be a concern. So if Ramadan coincides with summer, this means hot weather and long days
Here’s what the research has told us so far:
- Apgar scores of babies of women who fasted showed no real difference from babies of women who didn't fast.
- Some women who fast during pregnancy may go on to have a baby with alower-birth weight, especially if the fasting takes place in the first trimester. Other studies found that the difference in birth weight due to fasting in pregnancy is very small, at an average of 18g (0.6oz) to 40g (1.4oz).
- Women experience changes in the chemical balance of their blood while fasting. But the changes don't appear to be harmful to you or your baby.
There have been concerns about whether there is a link
between fasting and how well a baby grows in the uterus (womb) and premature
labour. Some studies suggest that more babies are born early if their mothers
fast during Ramadan, though this varies according to which country you live in.
Some surveys suggest that about three quarters of
pregnant Muslim women worldwide choose to fast for Ramadan. But everyone has
their own way of observing Ramadan.
Most Islamic leaders say you should fast if you are healthy enough to do so. But they also say that if you are unwell you must not fast. You shouldn't ignore this special permission if you feel unwell or fear that fasting could harm you or your baby.
Only you can judge how healthy you feel and what the right decision is for you. Talk to your family, your doctor, and an Islamic sheikh to help you to consider your options.
Most Islamic leaders say you should fast if you are healthy enough to do so. But they also say that if you are unwell you must not fast. You shouldn't ignore this special permission if you feel unwell or fear that fasting could harm you or your baby.
Only you can judge how healthy you feel and what the right decision is for you. Talk to your family, your doctor, and an Islamic sheikh to help you to consider your options.
How should I prepare for fasting?
Plan ahead to make things easier during Ramadan:
- Talk to your midwife, who can check your health and for any possible complications, such as gestational diabetes or anaemia. Fasting may make you more prone to developing diabetes in pregnancy(gestational diabetes). You may need to have more frequent check-upsduring your fast, to monitor your blood sugar levels, for example. It is not considered to be safe to fast if you have diabetes and are pregnant.
- If you're used to having a lot of caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and cola, cut back before you fast to prevent withdrawal headaches. You shouldn't have more than 200mg of caffeine a day when you are pregnant, which is about two cups of instant coffee. Remember that chocolate and green tea also contain some caffeine.
- Talk to your employer about managing your work during Ramadan, whether through reducing your working hours or having extra breaks. Read more about working and fasting.
- Your doctor, midwife or a dietitian can help you to work out your dietary needs.
- Keep a food diary, so you know what you are eating and drinking.
- Start preparing early by doing shopping and errands before you fast.
How can I make fasting in pregnancy easier?
- Keep calm and avoid stressful situations. Changes in your routine, a lack of food and water, and eating and drinking at different times, can cause stress. Pregnant women who fasted during Ramadan were found to have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood than women who didn't fast.
- Take things easy, and accept help when it is offered. Even if your family and friends stay up late, you may need to mark this Ramadan with more quiet, restful time.
- Ask family or friends who have fasted while being pregnant for tips and suggestions.
- Keep cool, as you may become dehydrated quickly, which isn't good for you or your baby.
- Plan your days so you can take regular rests.
- Try not to walk long distances or carry anything heavy.
- Cut down on housework and anything that tires you out.
You should contact your
doctor straight away if:
- There is a noticeable change in your baby’s movements, such as if your baby is not moving around or kicking as much.
- You notice contraction-like pains. This could be a sign of premature labour.
- You feel dizzy, faint, weak, confused or tired, even after you have had a good rest. Break your fast immediately and drink water containing salt and sugar, or an oral rehydration solution such as Dioralyte, and contact the doctor
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