Pregnant Muslim women may be religiously exempt from fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, especially if there is concern for undue hardship or harm to maternal or fetal health. However, several studies demonstrate that most women still choose to fast during pregnancy and avoid discussing fasting with their providers. It is permissible for a pregnant woman not to fast if she fears some harm which she thinks will most likely affect her and/or her baby. Praise be to Allah. This question covers three topics: 1-The ruling on a pregnant woman breaking her fast in Ramadan. 2-How a miscarriage in Ramadan affects a woman’s fast. Is it mandatory for a pregnant woman to fast during Ramadan? No, Islam allows pregnant women to skip fasting if they fear for their health or the baby's well-being. They can either make up for the fasts later or pay fidya in some cases. Large review of 22 studies including 31,000 women, 18,000 of whom fasted in Ramadan. Results show that fasting does not affect birth weight or preterm delivery. Placentas did have lower weights in fasting women, roughly 15% lighter (average placental weight 500g). Is fasting during pregnancy safe? What is the Islamic view on fasting during pregnancy? Here are some tips for pregnant women to fast safely during Ramadan. Fasting for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Islamic Rulings and Guidance . Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a deeply spiritual act of worship that brings Muslims closer to Allah (SWT). However, while fasting is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims, Islam provides exceptions for certain Answer: The normal case is that Muslim women who are pregnant and nursing must fast. They should also take the means to ensure this. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani has outlined from Ibn `Abidin’s Radd al-Muhtar the case of when a pregnant or nursing woman is exempt from fasting. Islamic rulings offer flexibility to pregnant and breastfeeding women during Ramadan, allowing you to choose whether to fast or to opt out. If you decide not to fast, you can make up the missed fasts at a later date or perform Fidyah (a fixed sum of charitable donation) instead. There is some evidence to suggest that pregnant women who fast during Ramadan may have smaller placentas and/or babies with slightly lower birth weights, compared to women who do not fast. Ramadan fasting rules. When it comes to rules and guidelines for fasting during Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has clearly defined them for Muslims to follow. According to the Sunnah, while fasting, Muslims must refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, and sexual activity, as these actions invalidate the fast. Pregnant Muslim women may be religiously exempt from fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, especially if there is concern for undue hardship or harm to maternal or fetal health. However, several studies demonstrate that most women still choose to fast during pregnancy and avoid discussing fas For pregnant and lactating women, fasting during Ramadan is optional, and the decision should be made based on individual health considerations. Despite being unable to fast during menstruation, there are numerous other acts of worship women can engage in during Ramadan, such as supplication, charity, and preparing iftar meals. Fasting affects every pregnant woman differently. It is generally safe and healthy for a pregnant woman to fast. Make sure to sit down and talk with your doctor to understand and get the best out of your pregnancy and spiritual needs. Eat well, enjoy your beautiful pregnancy and happy fasting! Approximately 80%–90% of pregnant Muslim women fast during Ramadan, at least partially, because of religious and cultural beliefs. 2-4 The impact of fasting during pregnancy on pregnancy and birth outcomes remains under debate. This issue is further complicated by the fact that the nutritional requirements of pregnant women are significantly 1 a questionnaire is used to evaluate nutritional intake/number of fasting days during Ramadan or when Islamic pregnant women during Ramadan were compared to Islamic pregnant women outside of the Ramadan period and there was at least controlled for seasonality (e.g., in relation to vitamin D status or infectious diseases) Despite this possible religious exemption, several studies, mainly conducted in Muslim-majority countries, show that most Muslim women choose to fast during pregnancy at a rate of 70% to 85%. 3, 4, 5 In the United States, 1 study (n=32) found that most of the Muslim women chose to fast (88%), with a higher incidence among immigrant vs US-born women. 6 Far from perceiving it as a hardship, many No studies delineated between fasting and post-prandial glycemic control or explored the association between Ramadan fasting in women with GDM and fetal outcomes. No studies, to-date, have explored the incidence of ketosis or DKA during Ramadan fasting in pregnant women with diabetes. Ramadan Fasting and Potential Risks to the Fetus We can’t be sure that it’s safe for pregnant women and birthing people to take part in religious fasting, such as during Ramadan or Yom Kippur, where a person does not eat any food or drink any fluids, including water, for an extended time. Research shows that this kind of fasting is linked with dehydration and tiredness in pregnant women. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a special time for Muslims around the world. It is a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, bringing people closer to their faith. This year Ramadan health guide: A guide to healthy fasting. Communities in Action, supported by NHS. Dikensoy E, Ozcan B, Cebesoy B, et al. 2009. The effect of Ramadan fasting on maternal serum lipids, cortisol levels and fetal development. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 279: 119–123. NHS. 2014. Guide to healthy fasting during Ramadan. NHS Choices, Live well
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