The Case for Fasting During Pregnancy in Islam

Muslimkaffah - When you’re pregnant, your body goes through some pretty drastic changes to accommodate the growth of your baby. But have you ever considered that your body also needs to make room for the food you eat? Because your baby’s food comes from what you eat, this means there will be less room in your stomach and intestines for any additional food. For that reason, it’s important to fast during pregnancy in Islam to ensure that there’s enough room in your system to absorb all the nutrients your baby needs and that the nutrients are properly distributed throughout your body so both you and the baby remain healthy.

Should women fast while pregnant?

There are a number of hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that mention how pregnant women should maintain fasting. According to these narrations, the mother is not exempt from fasting during pregnancy unless she is experiencing complications like high blood pressure or if there is fear of miscarriage. Moreover, it's recommended that women pray more when they're pregnant and do good deeds as much as possible during this time because their reward will increase for the good deeds and decrease for the bad ones since it's believed that Allah will always take good care of them. They should also recite Qur'an and keep getting closer to Allah

Permissibility of becoming pregnant after Ramadan

While it is permitted to do so, pregnant women are advised not to fast because their bodies require more energy than usual and their fetus will also need nourishment. Some scholars have also ruled that pregnant women may be obliged not to fast because of the hadith from Aisha mentioned earlier in this paper that states they cannot menstruate while they are pregnant or give birth until after they have made up all of the days they missed fasting. The pregnancy itself is considered as an excuse (Istihaadah) and breastfeeding can also be an excuse. It is always wise, however, to consult with one's physician before making any decisions on whether or not to break one's fast during Ramadan, bearing in mind the Islamic guidance laid out here.

Is it permissible to fast while pregnant?

Fasting while pregnant is a hot-button issue in the Muslim community. Some Muslims say it's permissible to fast while others say it's better not to. There are a number of opinions, but let's look at the facts: 

It is permissible to fast during pregnancy if the person has a job that doesn't require physical exertion, says Imam Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya in his book Zad Al Mujadala. A pregnant woman does not have to make up her missed fasts because she didn't have time for fasting. If she wants to continue fasting after childbirth, though, her missed days must be made up before Ramadan starts next year.

Does fasting harm the fetus?

Physiologically, fasting does not harm the fetus. In fact, it can actually have some beneficial effects on the mother-child relationship. By abstaining from food and drink (even water), the pregnant woman will experience significant reduction in blood sugar levels which may be helpful to women with gestational diabetes. However, abstaining from food and drink is not healthy for all mothers-to-be as every woman's needs are different. A specialist should be consulted before making any decisions about fasting during pregnancy.

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How can we reconcile conflicting views on this topic?

Some believe that pregnant women should not fast at all, others allow the woman to fast on a limited basis, but forbid her from doing any more than six days. Some encourage fasting completely during the first trimester and gradually scaling back as pregnancy progresses. Others maintain that pregnant women should be able to observe Ramadan just like other Muslim adults and children.

This post is going to take a look at three different opinions about fasting during pregnancy.

Can I make up missed days after delivery?

Fasting can be done from the time a woman first knows she is pregnant and throughout the course of her pregnancy. It should also be resumed after giving birth. Postpartum mothers are not required to make up any days they missed during their pregnancy or post-natal recovery period. They are also exempt from fasting on Mondays and Thursdays when recuperating, as well as any times when they are menstruating, having their periods, pregnant or nursing.

Best practices for pregnant Muslims and their babies

If you are pregnant and fasting, it is best to speak with your doctor before beginning or continuing your fast. And once you start a new fast, stick to it. Eat more than usual during the day, and if you want to break your fast, drink lots of water and eat a light meal (fruit and crackers, for example). Pay attention to the signs that might indicate you need to break your fast and stay away from situations that may trigger an episode of fasting induced-preeclampsia.

wallohua'lam.