Advice to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers

Allah has mandated fasting for every post-pubescent person who is physically fit to fast and has promised an abundant reward in return. He has, however, relieved those with sound excuses and exempted them from fasting, permitting them to break their fast until the reason for which they have been exempted is gone.

However, He obliged them to make up for these missed days; Allah Says (what means): {The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, must fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship …} [Qur'an: 2:185]

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are examples of such people whom Allah has exempted from fasting. The following is some general health advice that would help such mothers with the approach of the month of Ramadhan:

1. You must consult your doctor to decide whether or not you are able to fast during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. She will check you and assess the case accordingly.

2. If a pregnant or breastfeeding mother fears harm upon herself because of fasting, then it her religious right to break the fast.

3. A pregnant woman who may face problems if she fasts must have a well balanced meal at the time of breaking her fast. Her meal must include starches that supply the body with the required calories, like rice, bread or pasta. A pregnant woman usually needs around 2250 calories daily, and these calories must come from food sources that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron and calcium. We also advise her to drink a large glass of fruit juice immediately after breaking her fast. She should stay away from meals that are difficult to digest, like deep fried foods, as this may cause indigestion. Moreover, she must avoid overeating because this may cause difficulty in breathing.

4. Any pregnant woman who suffers from complications during pregnancy, like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney infections or heart problems must refrain from fasting because her health situation does not permit her to fast, as these complications risk the health of the fetus.

5. If a pregnant woman fasts, then she must take a good share of rest during the daytime.

6. If a pregnant woman fasts, then we advise her to eat a light meal between Iftaar (the meal at sunset) and Suhoor (the predawn meal).

7. A pregnant woman must consult her doctor before she fasts to decide whether or not she is physically able to fast. This is so because in the first months of pregnancy she must eat balanced meals which the fetus needs in order to grow normally, otherwise, she may endanger its health as well as hers.

8. A pregnant woman who intends to fast - and whose fasting will coincide with the last months of pregnancy - must be careful as this period is more critical than the first few months, unless her pregnancy has been normal throughout the first period. If a pregnant woman needs to exert more effort than usual to care for her children or take care of her house, for example, and this exhausts her and makes her thirsty and hungry, then it would be better for her not to fast. Otherwise, if these things do not cause any abnormal physical stress, then she can fast.