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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar and is considered the holy month. In this entire month, you offer prayers and charity to the needy. This month is marked by fasting in which you can eat before sunrise and breaks your fast after sunset. The whole idea behind fasting is to keep yourself distracted from bad deeds and focus on spiritual purification and self-discipline. While it is compulsory to fast during Ramadan, as one of the five pillars of Islam, you can stay away from fasting, while you’re pregnant. So, if you are an expecting mother and thinking of fasting, think again! As your gynecologist may not be of the same opinion.
Your healthcare practitioner may have a different guideline for you.
Fasting Is Not Recommended During Ramadan
Fulfilling your nutritional requirements is the key both for you, during your pregnancy, and for your developing baby inside. However, going without food and water for long hours due to fasting can be risky for the fetus. Therefore, you must weigh the pros and cons with your healthcare provider before stepping into it. As you might feel Low in energy, dehydrated, dizzy, and more prone to urinary tract infections, especially in the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Not having enough food or a nutritional diet while you are fasting may be linked with weight loss, which can eventually lead to a low birth weight baby.
Experts have also come across studies that prove Ramadan fasting affects the breathing pattern of your baby inside your womb.
If you already have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, fasting over 12 hours might increase potential health risks as it can affect your blood sugar levels. Additionally, fasting for such long hours together can cause indigestion during your pregnancy.
However, you needn’t panic or feel scared about Ramadan fasting during pregnancy.
How To Fast Healthy While Pregnant During Ramadan?
- Try to go for light meals like soups and stews
- Have a mix of fruits, veggies, fish, and meat
- Instead of choosing high-fat foods, opt for potatoes or chickpeas
- Choose whole grains like pulses and dried fruits (For dry fruits you can always consult your doctor)
- You have light soup and stews
- If feel weak, tired, or dizzy, break your fast instantly
- Take enough rest
- Try not to feel stressed out
- Be positive
Listen to your doctor and try not to force your body into something, which you will not be able to bear.
Remember, there is always a next time
If you miss out on your fasting this year, while nurturing your baby inside you with good food, fluid, and exercise; there is always a next time.
Otherwise, you can always be a part of this holy month by reciting Quran, offering prayers, and helping the needy. After all, Ramadan as mentioned before is more than just fasting. It is more about self-control, patience, and empathy toward others.
In the midst of Ramadan during pregnancy, don’t forget to opt for cord blood banking to safeguard your family’s health and your baby’s healthy future.
So, enjoy a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Next year we’re sure you will be able to enjoy Ramadan with your cuddly little one.