By Casey Rivers 
Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, holds a great importance in Islam and in the hearts of the believers. To make the most out of it, they indulge themselves in different good deeds and abstain from all wrongdoings. Many of them book Ramadan Umrah packages to perform a hassle-free Umrah in Ramadan, and seek double blessings and forgiveness from the Almighty.
Fasting during Ramadan is mandatory for all Muslims who have reached the age of puberty. However, when it comes to pregnant women, the real question that arises here is, can they fast during Ramadan or not?
The answer is YES, they can, unless they are asked by the doctors to stop fasting under specific conditions. This post explains everything in this regard, including practical tips for pregnant women during fasting as well as certain Islamic rules on the matter.
Islamic Perspective on Fasting
Quran & Hadith
While Islam prioritises the safety of everyone, it exempts pregnant women from fasting if the doctor has advised them to miss their fasts. If the fasting is too challenging for them, then they can skip fasts. In the Quran, it is clearly stated that:
“So, whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 1:184)
Still, these women can earn maximum blessings and rewards by indulging in maximum prayers and supplications during Ramadan, giving charity, reciting Quran, keeping their intentions clean and pure, and taking out time for self-reflection. However, these expecting mothers can also make up for the skipped fasts after Ramadan, as per their ease. Depending on the fasting duration, stage of pregnancy, as well as overall health, such women can take the decision accordingly.
Most of the time, the women in the first trimester are asked to refrain from fasting, the reason being the cases of excessive dehydration that might affect the health of the foetus that is already in the growing phase. Our beloved holy Prophet (PBUH) also shed light on the exemption of pregnant women in the Hadith:
“Indeed, Allah has relieved the traveller of fasting and half the prayer, and the pregnant and nursing women of fasting.” – (Narrated by Abu Dawood & Tirmidhi)
Who Can Fast and Who Should Not?
In case of pregnancy, the ones in the second trimester can fast (again, they can ask their doctor first and then plan the fasting accordingly). Also, those with no complications or a healthy pregnancy can easily observe fasts and enjoy the essence of Ramadan while not missing out on their fasting. Similarly, if it is already the month of Ramadan, then pregnant women can fast due to the shorter duration of Roza as well as less-challenging weather situations, that are generally safe for both the baby and the expecting mothers.
While these women are allowed to keep fasts, the ones with lots of pregnancy complications and high-risk pregnancies like diabetic or anaemic females, must not observe the fast. Also, women in the first or third trimester should avoid it as it may cause the risk of dehydration. If any of the pregnant women feels fatigue or less movement in the foetus, then they should also avoid it.
Is Any Fidya or Qada Required on the Skipped Fasts by Pregnant Women?
No, there is no Fidya (feeding a hungry person for every skipped fast) applicable to the situation, as it is only to be done when there is no hope of recovery from a certain condition. Some scholars also believe that Fidya is to be allowed in cases where the pregnant woman can not keep fast later after the pregnancy is over, has health issues, or back-to-back pregnancies or breast-feeding.
While Qada involves the making up for fasts after the pregnancy is over, and there is no fidya required in this case. For instance, if a woman has skipped 5 fasts during Ramadan, then she can keep those fasts after delivering the baby at a feasible time.
Things to Be Practised by Pregnant Women Before Fasting
A few things that expecting mothers need to practice while keeping fasts include checking up with their gynaecologist if fasting is safe for them or not. This eliminates the risk factors involved (if any). Remember, if it is easy for you, then go ahead, otherwise, please don’t overexert yourself. Monitor for some of the warning symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Reduced movement of the foetus
If any of these symptoms arise, you should break the fast immediately. Not to forget, keep a track of your nutrition and consume healthy meals in both suhoor and iftar.
Verdict: Yes or No?
Both Yes and No. While no Muslim women would ever like to skip their fasts or Umrah in Ramadan intentionally, fasting brings a lot of physical challenges. If one has to fast for a straight 10-12 hours, then in the case of pregnant women, they need to avoid fasting to keep the right water intake that is essential for the growth of foetus. Similarly, if it is their first or third semester, then it is better not to fast.
Generally, if a woman has no health issues and the overall pregnancy is going great with no complications, then they can fast after discussing with the gynaecologist. Islam is a religion that emphasises the health of everyone, and that is why expecting or breastfeeding mothers are given relief and exemption in many cases.
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