This article discusses the health effects of fasting during pregnancy and lactation and the importance of women making decisions in consultation with their own healthcare professionals. In the article, it is emphasized that the health status of women should be evaluated and whether fasting poses a risk to them or their babies. It is emphasized that there are alternative ways, and it is emphasized that women during pregnancy and lactation should make the most appropriate decision by considering their health and the health of their babies.
Ramadan is an important month for Muslims and many people fast. However, pregnant and lactating women often hesitate because of the fear that fasting could harm them and their babies. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss whether pregnant and lactating women should fast or not.
Pregnancy is a critical period that expectant mothers should pay attention to to ensure their health and the healthy growth of their babies. Fasting during this period can have a number of negative effects for mother and baby. When adequate nutrition is not taken during pregnancy, the expectant mother and her baby may face health problems. Also, expectant mothers’ blood sugar levels are important, and fasting can lower these levels, causing problems such as gestational diabetes. It is also important for expectant mothers to pay attention to fluid consumption during pregnancy, and fasting can cause thirst, which can harm the health of the mother and baby.
Breastfeeding is also a period that expectant mothers should pay attention to. Nursing mothers need adequate nutrition because they need to produce enough milk for the baby to grow up healthily. Fasting can reduce the amount of breast milk and prevent the baby from getting adequate nutrition. Also, breastfeeding mothers need thirst, and fasting can cause thirst.
However, in Islam, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not obligated to fast. Since fasting during this period can harm the health of the mother and baby, women can make up their fast later if they do not want to fast.
As a result, it is quite normal for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding to have hesitations about whether to fast or not. During this period, adequate nutrition and fluid intake are very important and fasting can prevent these needs. However, in Islam, pregnant and lactating women are not obligated to fast, and like many health issues, whether pregnant and lactating women should fast is a personal decision. Therefore, it is recommended that women make a decision about this by talking to their doctor or health care professional. Doctors can assess the health of women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and determine whether fasting poses a risk to them or their baby.
Also, alternative ways are available in cases where fasting may cause health problems. For example, women during pregnancy may eat light meals frequently between sahur and iftar. This can protect the health of mother and baby by ensuring adequate nutrient and fluid intake. Women who are breastfeeding should also take care of their diet so that they produce enough milk for the baby to grow up healthily.
As a result, pregnant and lactating women should consider their own health and the health of their babies when deciding whether to fast or not. In situations where fasting may pose a risk to them or their baby, alternative means can be used. However, in Islam, women during pregnancy and lactation are not obligated to fast, and therefore, women should make the most appropriate decision in this regard and consult with their healthcare professionals.
