Can Pregnant Women Fast in Ramadan?

Entering the holy month of Ramadan, all Muslims are required to fast for the whole month. However, there are some groups that are given leniency and are encouraged not to fast. One of them is pregnant women. Then, can pregnant women fast Ramadan?

Some pregnant women may decide to fast during Ramadan. Before deciding to fast, pregnant women must know when is the right time to fast so that they can still maintain their own health and the fetus in the womb.

Is Fasting Safe for Pregnant Women Medically?

Fasting during pregnancy is a complex issue and should be considered carefully. Medical opinions on whether or not fasting is safe for pregnant women may vary depending on the mother's health condition, gestational age, and other factors.

Some doctors and health professionals may advise against fasting for pregnant women, especially if they have a complex medical history, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health issues. Fasting can increase the risk of dehydration, hypoglycemia (a drop in blood sugar levels), as well as a lack of nutrients that are essential for maternal and fetal health.

However, in a healthy and normal pregnancy and if the pregnant woman is under close medical supervision, fasting may be safe. The doctor will conduct an individual evaluation to determine whether or not fasting will be risky for the pregnant woman.

Fasting Tips for Pregnant Women

Performing Ramadan fasting during pregnancy is not an easy thing. Considering that pregnant women must meet the needs of nutritional intake and nutrition to support the health of the mother and the growth and development of the baby in the womb. If pregnant women still want to fast, here are some tips that can help pregnant women in fasting:

1. Drink enough water

Dehydration can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Make sure to drink plenty of water during iftar and sahur to keep the body hydrated. At least pregnant women need to drink 8-12 glasses of water or the equivalent of 2.5-3 liters per day. Do not hesitate to break the fast if symptoms of dehydration appear, Moms.

2. Maintain nutritional intake

Make sure that pregnant women eat a balanced and nutritious diet during iftar and suhoor. Choose foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Pregnant women can also consume healthy snacks when breaking the fast such as potatoes, chickpeas, or boiled broccoli. Also consume milk as an additional nutrient and nutrition for the body.

3. Avoid strenuous physical activity

Reduce strenuous physical activity during fasting to avoid fatigue and increased risk of complications. Because pregnant women who do strenuous physical activity while fasting can cause easy fatigue and trigger injury to the abdomen and contractions. If pregnant women want to exercise to keep fit during fasting, choose only light exercise.

4. Get enough rest

Pregnant women tend to get tired easily due to physical changes during pregnancy. For pregnant women who want to fast and prevent excessive fatigue, try to get enough rest during fasting to maintain health and energy. Pregnant women are recommended to sleep around 7-9 hours every night and take 15-20 minutes to nap so that the body feels more refreshed.

5. Avoid breaking the fast with cold drinks

The next safe fasting tip for pregnant women is to avoid cold drinks when breaking the fast. Because consuming cold drinks when breaking the fast is feared to trigger an increase in stomach acid in pregnant women. To quench her thirst after a day of fasting, pregnant women are advised to consume water or warm tea and fresh fruits that contain high water content such as watermelon and melon.

Conditions of pregnant women who may not fast

Although pregnant women are still allowed to fast with some special notes, some conditions make pregnant women unable to fast. Here are some conditions where pregnant women are usually not advised to fast:

1. Pregnancy with complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), preeclampsia, anemia, or other health problems.
2. Pregnancy with high risk during pregnancy such as multiple pregnancies, history of recurrent miscarriage, or other medical conditions.
3. Advanced pregnancy in the second and third trimester where the fetus is developing and requires more nutrients.
4. The pregnant woman has other health problems such as heart disease, eating disorders, or mental health disorders that affect food or fluid intake.

Please note that the condition of pregnant women varies from individual to individual and health recommendations may vary depending on individual factors. The main priority is to maintain the health of the mother and fetus during the pregnancy period.

Although pregnant women cannot fast, there is no need to worry. Because there is a way to replace the fast of pregnant women, namely by replacing the fast on another day or paying fidyah for each day of fasting that is abandoned. (Aq/MKK)