Shahila ameer obgyn

Fasting in Pregnancy

Islamic law says that pregnant and breastfeeding women are not expected to fast during Ramadan. But, when you are used to fasting every year, and family or friends around you are all fasting, it's understandable to feel like you're missing out!

Remember, choosing not to fast keeps you both well and safe. This is especially important for women with pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, as fasting can make maintaining blood sugar levels tricky.

You can make up for the missed fasting by fasting at a later date, or by performing fidyah (a charitable donation) instead. And there are still plenty of ways to feel involved in Ramadan – be it spending time on your spirituality

What if I decide to fast during pregnancy?
We would recommend that you don't fast during pregnancy. However, it is a personal decision and if you decide to do so. It depends on your pregnancy history wheather you can keep the fast or not and keeping in view your weight, lifestyle, how many weeks pregnant you are, and whether you have had any complications so far. All of this will need to help us work out how you will cope with fasting and if there is any extra support you will need.

If you do decide to fast, consider taking a break from it every couple of days.


What to eat when you break your fast
As with any balanced pregnancy diet, choose a range of healthy foods, including:

Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron and calcium.
Slow release energy foods, such as wholewheat pasta, oat or bran based cereals, beans and pulses, unsalted nuts and wholemeal bread.
Protein-rich foods, like meat, beans and eggs.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids during suhoor and iftar to reduce your risk of dehydration.


What to avoid when you break your fast
When you eat, try to avoid:

caffeine, as it can make you feel more dehydrated
foods which are difficult to digest
acidic or greasy foods that could give you heartburn
too many sugary foods and drinks, as these give you an immediate boost of energy but won’t keep you going
any foods that are unsafe in pregnancy.

Tips if you decide to fast
If you do decide to fast, follow these tips:

get plenty of rest while you’re fasting as you’re likely to have less energy
be extra careful if you’re fasting during the last three months of pregnancy as this is a time when you usually need 200 extra calories
watch out for signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dizziness or weakness, and headaches
remember to take your supplements
if you feel that something isn't quite right contact us.

Breastfeeding and fasting
Islamic law states that breastfeeding mothers do not have to fast. Again, missed fasts can be compensated for by fasting at a later date, or fidyah (a charitable donation), once breastfeeding has stopped.