Ramadan and pregnancy - Should I be fasting?

Image credit: Instagram @strudelworte

On this page: 

• Fasting and pregnancy 
• What if I decide to fast during pregnancy 
• Getting help if you are worried 
• Fasting and trying for a baby 
• Fasting and breastfeeding 
• Fasting and blood tests/ vaccines 
• More information

Fasting and pregnancy 

Islamic rulings say that you are not expected to fast during Ramadan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. But when you are used to fasting every year, and family or friends around you are fasting, it’s understandable to feel like you are missing out. Choosing not to fast can keep both you and your baby well and safe. This is especially important for women with pregnancy complications such as anaemia, thyroid conditions or gestational diabetes. 

You can make up for the missed fasting by fasting at a later date, or by performing Fidyah (a fixed sum of charitable donation) instead. 

There are still plenty of ways to feel involved in Ramadan. You may choose to spend time on your spirituality, find things to cut back to ensure you are eating as healthily as you can, or connect with others in the community.

What if I decide to fast during pregnancy?

We would recommend that you don't fast during pregnancy for the health of you and your baby. However, it is a personal decision and if you decide to do so, you should speak to your midwife or doctor for advice. 

They will look at your pregnancy history and talk to you about your weight, lifestyle, how many weeks pregnant you are, and whether you have had any complications so far. This will help them work out how you will cope with fasting and if there is any extra support you will need. 

Islamic rulings say that if you do begin your day by fasting and feel unwell at any time, then you should break your fast. Listening to your body and adjusting your fasting when needed is even more important if you decide to fast during pregnancy. If you feel unwell, remember you are not expected to fast at all and can break your fast with both water and food if you need to. 

You may also find it helpful to fast some of Ramadan, rather than the whole month.

What to eat when you break your fast

As with any balanced pregnancy diet, choose a range of healthy foods, including: 

• foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron and calcium 
• slow-release energy foods, such as whole wheat pasta, oat or bran-based cereals, beans and pulses, unsalted nuts and wholemeal bread 
• protein-rich foods, like meat, beans and eggs. 
• Make sure to drink plenty of fluids during suhoor and iftar to reduce your risk of dehydration.

What to avoid when you break your fast

When you eat, try to avoid:

• caffeine, as it can make you feel more dehydrated
• foods which are difficult to digest
• acidic or greasy foods that could give you heartburn
• too many sugary foods and drinks, as these give you an immediate boost of energy but won’t keep you going
• any foods that are unsafe in pregnancy.

Tips if you decide to fast

We don't recommend fasting during pregnancy. If you do decide to fast, follow these tips:

• get plenty of rest while you’re fasting as you’re likely to have less energy
• be extra careful if you’re fasting during the last three months of pregnancy as this is a time when you usually need 200 extra calories
• watch out for signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dizziness or weakness, and headaches
• remember to take your folic acid and vitamin D supplements
• if you feel that something isn't quite right contact your midwife or doctor.

Getting help if you are worried about your or your baby’s health

If you are fasting and if you feel that something isn't quite right contact your midwife or doctor. Let them know you are fasting – they should offer non-judgemental advice and care to support you. Continue to monitor your baby’s movements: it is important that you continue to feel baby’s movements every day, especially when taking part in religious fasting. Most people are first aware of their baby moving when they are 18-20 weeks pregnant. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not feel until you are more than 20 weeks pregnant. If you’ve been pregnant before, you may feel movements as early as 16 weeks. Read more about your baby’s movements here.

Breastfeeding and fasting

Islamic rulings state that you do not have to fast if you are breastfeeding. Again, missed fasts can be compensated for by fasting at a later date, or Fidyah paid (a charitable donation of a fixed amount for each missed fast). 

If you do decide to fast when breastfeeding, speak to your doctor first. Islamic rulings say that if you do begin your day by fasting and feel unwell at any time, then you should break your fast. Listening to your body and adjusting your fasting when needed is even more important if you decide to fast while breastfeeding. 

If you feel unwell, remember you are not expected to fast at all and can break your fast with both water and food if you need to.

Fasting and trying for a baby

Islamic rulings state that you do not have to fast if you are breastfeeding. Again, missed fasts can be compensated for by fasting at a later date, or Fidyah paid (a charitable donation of a fixed amount for each missed fast). If you do decide to fast when breastfeeding, speak to your doctor first. Islamic rulings say that if you do begin your day by fasting and feel unwell at any time, then you should break your fast. Listening to your body and adjusting your fasting when needed is even more important if you decide to fast while breastfeeding. If you feel unwell, remember you are not expected to fast at all and can break your fast with both water and food if you need to.

• ensure you continue to take folic acid and vitamin D supplements 
• ensure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet that will help you stay well throughout pregnancy and be good for your baby’s health 
• speak to your GP for advice if you have an underlying health condition
• Try our planning for pregnancy quiz to find out how to get pregnant and some of the lifestyle changes that might help you.

Fasting and vaccines / blood tests

If you are fasting, having a blood test, injection or vaccine will not break your fast. Contemporary Muslim scholars have determined that non-nutritious injections are inconsequential to the fast and does not break it.

More information

For more about pregnancy and Ramadan, visit NHS Choices or the British Nutrition Foundation. 

The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) have produced a Ramadan Compendium. This is a series of evidence-based shared decision guidelines for clinicians to use with patients around fasting in Ramadan with chronic health issues. 

Get advice from other mums-to-be in the Muslim Mamas Facebook Community. 

Ramadan Mubarak from the Tommy's midwives team. 

In this video, our midwife, Amina, talks to Breastfeeding Peer Supporter and Co-Director for Leicester Mammas, Faranaaz, about fasting during Ramadan for anyone pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Leicester Mammas is commissioned by Leicester NHS Trust to deliver breastfeeding support across the city. They provide support in a variety of different languages. To find out more about the great work they do, visit their website mammas.org.uk.