Although fasting during Ramadan is expected for all Muslims, some people are not required to fast. This includes the elderly, children, individuals who are sick, travelers and menstruating women. This rule also applies to pregnant and breastfeeding women who are sick or fear that fasting may put their own and their child's health at risk of deteriorating.

Pregnant women are advised to consult with a doctor before planning fasting in Ramadan.

A patient with a complicated pregnancy like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, anaemia or small for gestational age baby are advised not to fast.

Advice and tips for pregnant women who decide to fast during Ramadan:

• It is very important to drink plenty of water in the non-fasting hours to reduce the risk of dehydration, urine infection and blood clots known as DVT’s (deep vein thrombosis)
• It is recommended to have extra rest and not to take part in exercise until 2 hours after ‘Iftar’ (breaking fast). You can walk and take part in daily activities, but do not tire yourself out during the fasting hours
• It is important that you continue to feel baby’s movements every day and especially when taking part in Ramadan fasting. If you are worried about your baby’s movements then immediately contact the Maternity Assessment Unit at the hospital where you are booked
• Make sure you are still taking your supplements (such as folic acid, prenatal vitamins and vitamin D) and eating a healthy, balanced diet during Ramadan so that you are getting all the nutrients you and your baby need. Also try to eat foods which release energy slowly.

Foods to include in your diet:

• Foods that are rich in fibre such as cereals, whole grain and almost all fruits
• Dates, milk and oily fish
• Foods that have iron in them, such as dark leafy vegetables, pulses, lentils, beans and dried fruits

Foods to avoid:

• Deep fried and high fat, such as samosas
• Heavily processed and high in sugar foods, such as sweets, cakes and white bread

On top of drinking lots of fluids, including foods which have a high-water content such as fruits, vegetables, soups, stews and porridge in your ‘suhoor’ and ‘iftar’ meals may also help to keep you hydrated. It is also a good idea to avoid consuming too many salty foods, especially first thing in the morning, as this may make you feel even more thirsty.

Look out for Dehydration

If you are fasting, dehydration is something to watch out for, especially if Ramadan falls during long hot summer days.

Feeling thirsty or having dark-colored urine can be early signs of dehydration. Other symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, tiredness, dry mouth and passing small amounts of urine infrequently (less than three or four times a day).

If you feel dizzy, faint, weak, confused or tired during fasting, even after resting, then you should break your fast with a sweet drink, to replace lost sugar and fluids, and a salty snack, to replace lost salt, or an oral rehydration solution, and contact your doctor.

If you have decided to fast during Ramadan and then begin to feel unwell, it is important to contact your midwife or doctor as soon as possible and consider breaking your fast.

Ramadan & Pregnancy: Medical Guidance when Fasting

Advice and tips for pregnant women who decide to fast during Ramadan:

• It is very important to drink plenty of water in the non-fasting hours to reduce the risk of dehydration, urine infection and blood clots known as DVT’s (deep vein thrombosis)
• It is recommended to have extra rest and not to take part in exercise until 2 hours after ‘Iftar’ (breaking fast). You can walk and take part in daily activities, but do not tire yourself out during the fasting hours
• It is important that you continue to feel baby’s movements every day and especially when taking part in Ramadan fasting. If you are worried about your baby’s movements then immediately contact the Maternity Assessment Unit at the hospital where you are booked
• Make sure you are still taking your supplements (such as folic acid, prenatal vitamins and vitamin D) and eating a healthy, balanced diet during Ramadan so that you are getting all the nutrients you and your baby need. Also try to eat foods which release energy slowly.

Foods to include in your diet:

• Foods that are rich in fibre such as cereals, whole grain and almost all fruits
• Dates, milk and oily fish
• Foods that have iron in them, such as dark leafy vegetables, pulses, lentils, beans and dried fruits

Foods to avoid:

• Deep fried and high fat, such as samosas
• Heavily processed and high in sugar foods, such as sweets, cakes and white bread

On top of drinking lots of fluids, including foods which have a high-water content such as fruits, vegetables, soups, stews, and porridge in your ‘suhoor’ and ‘iftar’ meals may also help to keep you hydrated. It is also a good idea to avoid consuming too many salty foods, especially first thing in the morning, as this may make you feel even more thirsty.

Look out for Dehydration

If you are fasting, dehydration is something to watch out for, especially if Ramadan falls during long hot summer days.

Feeling thirsty or having dark-colored urine can be early signs of dehydration. Other symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, tiredness, dry mouth and passing small amounts of urine infrequently (less than three or four times a day).

If you feel dizzy, faint, weak, confused or tired during fasting, even after resting, then you should break your fast with a sweet drink, to replace lost sugar and fluids, and a salty snack, to replace lost salt, or an oral rehydration solution, and contact your doctor.

If you have decided to fast during Ramadan and then begin to feel unwell, it is important to contact your midwife or doctor as soon as possible and consider breaking your fast.