(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Pregnant or breastfeeding women who don't feel well enough to fast during Ramadan, or are worried about their health or their baby's wellbeing, have been advised to talk to their physician and get a general health check before deciding to fast.
Many Muslims are of the opinion that pregnant or breastfeeding women should not observe fasting during Ramadan. This is because Islam exempts them, small children and ill people from fasting.
Dr Faten al-Taher, senior consultant in Obstetrics/Gynaecology at Women's Hospital, stated that pregnant women who are willing to fast during Ramadan should seek their doctor's advice throughout the month to make sure that fasting is not affecting their baby.
"It is important for pregnant women to follow up with their doctors before they decide to fast.While they are fasting, they should ensure to take rest frequently throughout the day and also ensure that they get the right nutrients and calories when they break their fast each evening. They should also ensure to consume up to three litres of water at Suhoor and Iftar," she advised adding that pregnant women should avoid sweets and other sugary snacks usually consumed after Iftar.
However, Dr al-Taher observed that there are some concerns that fasting may affect how well a baby grows in the uterus, or that fasting may be linked to premature labour. "Some studies suggest that more babies are born early if their mums fast during Ramadan.If Ramadan coincides with summer, this means hot weather and long days, which puts pregnant women at greater risk of dehydration due to low fluid intake and this could induce premature labour and subsequently lead to preterm births," she cautioned.
She pointed out that it is not medically advisable for those women who have pregnancy complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure or anaemia to fast. "Pregnant women with these underlying conditions should avoid fasting in order to protect themselves and their unborn babies from any further unwanted complications."
She highlighted that other implications of fasting for otherwise healthy pregnant women could include nausea, low birth weight, dizziness and slow metabolism. Dr al-Taher suggested that fasting pregnant women should contact their doctor if they are not putting on enough weight or are losing weight, they become very thirsty, urinating less frequently or if their urine becomes dark-coloured and strong-smelling.This is a sign of dehydration, and it can make them more prone to urinary tract infections or other complications.
She advised that fasting pregnant women should also contact their doctor straight away if there is a noticeable change in their baby's movements, such as if their baby is not moving around or kicking as much or they notice contraction-like pains or they feel dizzy, faint, weak, confused or tired, even after they have had a good rest.
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