Contents
Ramadan & pregnancy: what is allowed
The fast of the month of Ramadan which consists of abstaining from drinking and eating from dawn to sunset is an obligation for Muslims. Fasting is prohibited for women during their period of menstruation or lochia (after childbirth), she will have to make up for the days not fasted preferably before the following Ramadan. A woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding may also be exempted from the fast of the month of Ramadan if she fears for her health or that of her baby. It will then compensate by a subsequent catch-up and / or by feeding a poor person for each missed day. However, with the agreement of their doctor, many pregnant women decide to observe the fast anyway.
Ramadan fasting and pregnancy: Sofia’s testimony
« I did not have the opportunity to discuss the issue of fasting with my doctor as I am only 7 weeks pregnant and when I consulted I had only just found out that I was pregnant. I still had a hard time realizing, whether or not to do Ramadan was very far from my concerns. But I did not feel worried because I know doctors around me who advised me and told me that the fast did not have any repercussions on the health of the baby, but that it was necessary to make sure of it. eat balanced and varied in the evening. And that I should of course break the fast if I felt bad. So, I decided to try to do Ramadan. I can even say that I have no apprehension about my pregnancy, because I know that I have an obligation to eat if it turns out that I am feeling too tired or weak.«.
Islam does not force pregnant women to fast, on the contrary, religion advises them not to do so if they fear for their health or that of their baby, as well as for sick people or travelers.
«Regarding my eating habits, I do not necessarily intend to change them, it is enough just to eat what the body needs to keep going and above all, it is important to hydrate a lot. We can read in the Quran that the Muslim must not harm himself, so I know in advance that I can break my fast at any time. »
Pregnancy and Ramadan: the opinion of specialists
Is ramadan dangerous for the baby during pregnancy? From a medical point of view, the fast of the month of Ramadan does not seem to cause deleterious effects in pregnant women. In any case, this is what several studies suggest. A study of 59 pregnant women who fasted showed a slight increase in blood sugar, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in pregnant women who fast versus those who do not. In addition, it has not been shown to impact fasting on the weight or growth of the baby. Another study comparing the birth weight of 284 newborns born to fasting mothers versus 255 newborns, did not show any significant differences.
However, in certain pathologies, it is advisable to be careful, especially for future diabetic mothers. Indeed, diabetes is difficult to balance and requires a healthy lifestyle and very strict monitoring. The risk being high, it is preferable that the pregnant woman postpone her fasting days. The same is true for any other acute or chronic pathology requiring or likely to be aggravated by fasting. In addition, it is also necessary to take into account the nutritional state of the mother in order to help her make her choice.
Thus, in the event of a deficiency, it is necessary to compensate before starting to fast or at least to take it into account during the month of Ramadan.. In these specific cases, the two meals (morning and evening) must be taken with a calorie intake which increases with gestational age. And you have to remember to hydrate. In any case, whether the mother-to-be makes the decision to fast or not, it is better for her to talk to the professional who follows her.