Ramadan and Pregnancy

Fasting the right way can help to improve your well-being. Often that fasting is seen as an opportunity to lose weight, if done correctly. If you are not careful however, self-restraint will be compensated with binge eating, and subsequently unnecess...

Fasting the right way can help to improve your wel...

It is that beautiful time of the year again; when Muslims are ready to fast during the month of Ramadan.

It is that beautiful time of the year again; when ...

Not much research has been done about the link between miscarriage and fasting. But we do know that miscarriages happen to many women for many different reasons. Most of the time, doctors aren't able to pinpoint the cause. You will want to be extra c...

Not much research has been done about the link bet...

Certain pregnancy-related conditions such as severe pregnancy sickness can excuse you from fasting. You should not ignore this special permission if you feel that fasting could cause harm to you or your baby. (You can replace the fasting days that yo...

Certain pregnancy-related conditions such as sever...

Experts Answers Is it safe to mountain-bike during pregnancy? Raul Artal ob-gyn Yes, but remember that mountain biking has a certain amount of inherent risk whether you're pregnant or not. And the further along you are in your pregnancy, the great...

Experts Answers Is it safe to mountain-bike durin...

Working while you're pregnant is hard enough. Add fasting to this and you're asking rather a lot of yourself. Going for long stretches without food or drink can make you feel tired or unwell, so go easy on yourself. Take it one day at a time, and kee...

Working while you're pregnant is hard enough. Add ...

Islamic law says that you should fast if you feel strong and healthy enough. But if you are pregnant and feel unwell, you have clear permission to be excused from fasting. Don't ignore this special permission if you fear that fasting could cause harm...

Islamic law says that you should fast if you feel ...

Yes. Islamic law gives you clear permission not to fast if you don't feel strong or healthy enough. If you feel unwell, or are concerned about your baby's health, you should stop fasting immediately and see your doctor or midwife straight away. Your ...

Yes. Islamic law gives you clear permission not to...

While you're pregnant, there are a few things you should avoid if you plan to spend time in a Ramadan tent with your friends and family. Ramadan tents are often full of smoke. This may be harmful to you and your baby. Limit the time you spend in any ...

While you're pregnant, there are a few things you ...

Experts don't know if there is a link between fasting and miscarriage, as it isn't easy to tell. Most miscarriages happen in the first three months of pregnancy, but often a woman miscarries even before she realises that she is pregnant. A previous m...

Experts don't know if there is a link between fast...

Coffee and tea make you lose more water when you wee (diuretics), which may dehydrate you. And drinking tea and coffee with food can reduce the amount of iron that your body is able to absorb. You shouldn't have more than 200mg of caffeine a day when...

Coffee and tea make you lose more water when you w...

Suhoor is one of the most important meals to consume during Ramadan, as it keeps your energy levels up during the day. Don't skip this meal, as it will provide you with nutrients that fuel your body. It will also reduce hunger pangs, headaches and sl...

Suhoor is one of the most important meals to consu...

There's no ideal Iftar, but you could start with: * three dates and fruit juice to bring your sugar levels back to normal * semi-skimmed milk or laban * clear-based soup Then eat a well-balanced meal that may include: * Salad or fatoush. * Protein fr...

There's no ideal Iftar, but you could start with: ...

If you have decided to fast during pregnancy, there is no need to limit yourself to your Iftar (evening meal) and your Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). It is better to have several well-balanced, nutritious meals after you break your fast than eat just at the...

If you have decided to fast during pregnancy, ther...

* Keep calm and avoid stressful situations. Changes in your routine, a lack of food and water, and eating and drinking at different times, can cause stress. Pregnant women who fasted during Ramadan were found to have higher levels of the stress hormo...

* Keep calm and avoid stressful situations. Change...

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if: * You are not putting on enough weight, or are losing weight. You probably won't be weighed during your antenatal appointments, so try to weigh yourself regularly at home while you are fasting. There aren't...

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if: * You ...

Plan ahead to make things easier during Ramadan: * Talk to your midwife, who can check your health and for any possible complications, such as gestational diabetes or anaemia. Fasting may make you more prone to developing diabetes in pregnancy (gesta...

Plan ahead to make things easier during Ramadan: *...

Some surveys suggest that about three quarters of pregnant Muslim women worldwide choose to fast for Ramadan. But everyone has their own way of observing Ramadan. Most Islamic leaders say you should fast if you are healthy enough to do so. But they a...

Some surveys suggest that about three quarters of ...

If your weight and lifestyle are generally healthy you are likely to cope better with fasting. Your baby needs nutrients from you, and if your body has enough energy stores, fasting is likely to have less of an impact. How your body deals with fastin...

If your weight and lifestyle are generally healthy...

There's no clear answer. Despite research (Cross 1990, CIA/NHS 2007), we can't be sure that fasting is safe for you and your baby (NHS Choices 2010, Robinson and Raisler 2005). Fasting appears to be safe if: * you feel strong and well enough * your p...

There's no clear answer. Despite research (Cross 1...

Pregnant muslim women who fast during Ramadan are likely to have smaller babies who will be more prone to learning disabilities in adulthood, according to new research. Scientists in the United States also found that the women were 10 per cent less ...

Pregnant muslim women who fast during Ramadan are ...