Fasting during pregnancy
Is fasting safe for my baby? There's no clear answer. Despite research, we can't be sure that fasting is safe for you and your baby. However, fasting in pregnancy appears to be safer for you and your baby if you feel strong and well enough, and if your pregnancy is going well. If you don't feel well enough to fast, or are worried about your health or your baby's wellbeing, Islamic law gives you clear permission not to fast. Talk to your GP or midwife and get a general health check before deciding to fast. One factor is when the fast takes place. If Ramadan coincides with summer, this means hot weather and long days, which puts you at greater risk of dehydration. What do studies into fasting in pregnancy show? Some studies show little or no effect on newborn babies whose mums fasted in pregnancy. Others suggest health problems later in life, or that fasting in pregnancy may have some effect on the intelligence or academic ability of a child. H...