Being a compulsory activity, Muslim women remain concerned about their capability to fast during the month of Ramadan. In fact, it is the physical state of a pregnant woman that decides whether or not she should fast.

Study results and religious viewpoints:

Despite a lot of studies being conducted, no conclusive statement is available regarding the compulsion. According to Islamic commandment, Allah has ordered relaxation upon pregnant women’s fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

It is advisable for pregnant women to fast if they remain fit enough with proper weight and the movements of the baby inside. Islam introduces “Fidyah” that allows individuals, who cannot fast to ensure the fulfillment of the compulsion by providing foods to the poor and wretched on the missed days of the holy month of Ramadan.

Things to be aware of:

• In case of unfit physical state, pregnant women should not fast since such activity may cause harm to the baby inside.
• If the month of Ramadan arrives in summer, the possibility of suffering from dehydration should be considered with caution.
• If you are considerably healthier than other pregnant women, you can fast.

Preparation to fast:

• First, you should consult a gynecologist
• Second, you should take test to know if you have diabetes, anemia or pre-eclampsia. Diabetes increases risk of increasing glucose while anemia may weaken your body. So, be careful about these complications.
• Third, seek assistance from a dietitian for a proper diet plan during Ramadan.
• Fourth, try to quit or reduce intake of chocolate, coffee, tea, and even green tea since these contain caffeine which may cause dehydration.

Being careful about a few things:

Check to see if-

• Your weight is properly maintained
• You are pretty thirsty
• You have severe headache
• You feel extremely nauseated

Things to do to bring comfort to yourself during Ramadan:

• Try to stay in rest.
• Stay free of mental stress.
• Avoid taking a long walk.
• Do not lift heavy things.
• Be cautious about Sehr and Iftar meals.
• Do not keep up late.
• Do not avoid taking Sehr meal.
• Take healthy diet including brown flour, whole grains, low GL rice, dates and other dry foods that contain carbohydrates contributing to slow discharge of physical strength. Eat fruits and vegetables.
• Stay in a quiet and cool place and drink as much as 1.5-2 liters of water.

Diet plan for Sehr and Iftar:

For Sehr:

Foods containing plenty of fibers and calories are ideal for Sehr. Avoid foods that trigger gastric pain if you are already suffering from such. In order to meet the deficiency of iodine and dehydration, keep fruits like mangoes, bananas, etc. in your menu.

For Iftar:

Avoid fried items or snacks. Keep dates, fruit juice and beaten rice-curd-fruit in your diet so that the level of sugar remains okay. Other ideal choices include fruit or vegetable salad, soup, milk or milk based food items like lassi, mattha, etc.

For dinner:

For supper, you can choose to take a balanced diet brown rice, bread from brown flour, dahl, fish and meat. However, avoid too much spicy or rich food items. Drink water as much as needed.

When to see a doctor?

• If you do not feel any movement of the baby inside
• Abdominal pain identical to the pain during menstruation
• If you feel dizzy despite adequate rest or sleep
• If you feel like having fever or having severe headache
• If you and your baby inside do not gain weight
• If your urine is thick and the frequency is very low, it is the sign of dehydration
• If your urine stinks too much, you might have urinary infection

Conclusion:

You can fast without having to worry if you are healthy enough for a pregnant woman. Make sure you follow the rules properly and are in regular contact with a physician.

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