Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims, in which they fast during the daylight. This is the month that every Muslim Awaits every year which brings them much closer to Allah and so the women being more emotional and spiritually inclined to there religion are more into the rituals.
Most Muslim scholars believe that pregnant or breastfeeding women should not observe fasting during Ramadan. This is because Islam exempts them, small children and ill people from fasting.
Pregnant or lactating women who don’t feel well enough to fast during Ramadan, or are worried about their health or their baby’s well being, have been advised to talk to their physician and get a general health check before deciding to fast but even if they are willing to fast during Ramadan should seek their doctor’s advice throughout the month to make sure that fasting is not affecting their baby’s overall health in there womb.
While they are fasting, they should ensure to take rest frequently throughout the day and also ensure that they get the right nutrients and calories when they break their fast each evening.
They should consume up to three liters of water at Suhoor and post Iftar. Pregnant women should also avoid sweets and other sugary snacks usually consumed after Iftar.
There are some concerns that fasting may affect how well a baby grows in the uterus (womb), or that fasting may be linked to premature labor. Some studies suggest that more babies are born early if their mums fast during Ramadan.
As this year Ramadan coincides with summer, this means hot weather and long days, which puts pregnant women at greater risk of dehydration due to low fluid intake and this could induce premature labor and subsequently lead to preterm births. It is not medically advisable for those women who have pregnancy complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure or anemia they should avoid fasting in order to protect themselves and their unborn babies from any further unwanted complications.
If women are exclusively breastfeeding their babies, they are not expected to fast during Ramadan. Such mothers who wish to fast need to assess their general medical condition by consulting a physician and reporting the medications they might be using to boost their breast milk supply before making a decision to fast. This will help avoid any complications that could cause harm to them and their baby while breastfeeding between Iftar and Suhoor. Fasting may cause fatigue and dehydration (especially during hot weathers) which will impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed effectively. To maintain a continuous flow of milk and ensure breastfeeding is a success, women should be physically and mentally prepared, keep cool, eat healthy food, drink enough fluids (three liters or 13 cups daily), get at least two hours of rest prior to feeding their baby and they should ensure an average of eight hours of sleep during the night.
Though fasting should not impact the quality and quantity of milk, if a fasting mother is worried that her baby is not getting enough milk, especially when the baby cries constantly, has fewer wet diapers, passes green-colored stool, or has weight loss, she should stop fasting and immediately contact her doctor or a lactation consultant.
May allah grant us all Health and well-being to fast during this pandemic …Stay homeStay safeStay Healthy
Dr Maria Bhabhrawala Women’s Health Specialist