THE health of pregnant women during Ramadan is very important, especially when it comes to fasting.
A number of physiological, physical and emotional changes occur during pregnancy. However, a pregnant woman is not considered a patient; it’s because she is in top health condition that she is able to get pregnant.
On the subject of fasting during Ramadan, pregnant women are advised against doing so, especially if they are in the first four months of their pregnancy. During this period, a woman tends to undergo physiological changes which affect all her body functions, especially the digestive system.
A pregnant woman is prone to excessive vomiting, nausea, difficulty digesting and absorbing food, weight loss and possibly dehydration. This condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum.
All these changes can also affect the developing foetus, and jeopardise the health of the mother-to-be and her baby.
During the second trimester of the pregnancy, the foetus needs a regular supply of nutrition to start and continue growing. Any disturbance in this can affect the baby’s growth. The same applies during the last trimester of the pregnancy.
Any pregnant woman suffering from medical disorders associated with pregnancy such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and thyroid dysfunction should avoid fasting as her baby’s health is at great risk. Pregnant women are advised to report any alarming signs like hypertension, headache, blurring vision and decreased amount of urine output.
Despite all the above advice, the final decision to fast during Ramadan is the responsibility of the pregnant woman.
Wishing all pregnant women good health during the holy month.
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