How To Manage Pregnancy During Ramadan: Do’s And Don’ts

Choosing not to fast in pregnancy during Ramadan is the healthier and safer option. Avoiding Ramadan fasting during pregnancy is especially important for women with pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, as Ramadan fasting during pregnancy can make it difficult to maintain blood sugar levels. However, if you do decide to go ahead with Ramadan fasting during pregnancy, it is important to discuss the same with your doctor. This is necessary not just for your health but also the health of the unborn child. When you speak to a doctor, he/she will evaluate your pregnancy history, your weight, lifestyle, how many weeks pregnant you are and if you have had any complications. Based on this, the doctor will ascertain if it is important to take breaks every few days when you start fasting in Ramadan. 

What Are Some Do’s To Remember In Pregnancy During Ramadan?

If you’ve decided to go ahead with fasting during your pregnancy in Ramadan, here are some important tips that you should keep in mind:

1. Make Sure To Drink Lots Of Water

At Suhoor and Iftaar, it is important to make sure that you drink enough water. Dehydration can be a serious problem in Ramadan for pregnant ladies. Pregnant women need more water than average because water is needed to form the placenta that provides nutrients to a growing baby. Inadequate fluid intake can lead to decreased amniotic fluid, reduced milk production, and even premature birth. Dry mouth, headache, and dark yellow urine are signs that you may not be drinking enough fluids in pregnancy during Ramadan. Consuming water-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables will also help you stay hydrated. Avoid eating salty foods in pregnancy during Ramadan, as it can make you excessively thirsty.

2. Stick To A Healthy Diet

A balanced and healthy diet can be beneficial in Ramadan and pregnancy to ensure that you and your baby are getting the required nutrients. Make sure your suhoor and iftaar meals have a good balance of nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and fiber. Complex carbs release energy more slowly, so eating more complex carbs reduces hunger. Complex carbs include foods such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, and pasta. Lean protein and healthy fats from foods such as nuts and olive oil are also great sources of the nutrients you need to stay healthy during Ramadan and pregnancy.

3. Try To Stay Active

During Ramadan, it is tempting to sit still most of the day to conserve energy. However, avoiding exercise altogether can result in lethargy. Try to stay active with moderate exercise to maintain your energy levels throughout the day. This can also help reduce the risk of back pain, constipation and weight gain during pregnancy. Simple exercises that can be done during pregnancy include brisk walking, modified yoga and Pilates. These exercises are best done about an hour before suhoor. Be careful not to overdo it when exercising during pregnancy, even if you were already exercising frequently outside of pregnancy. Signs that you should stop exercising include calf pain, headaches, regular painful contractions in the uterus, and shortness of breath before starting exercise.

What Are Some Don’ts To Remember In Pregnancy During Ramadan?

To ensure that Ramadan fasting during pregnancy goes smoothly, here are some important don’ts that you should keep in mind:

1. Don’t Skip Suhoor

Some people may consider skipping the pre-dawn Ramadan meal to get more sleep in the morning. However, it is important to not skip this meal to ensure that you get the required nutrients to have energy through the day. Make sure you eat enough food and healthy food.

2. Don’t Eat Late At Night Before Bed

Once you have your iftaar meal, make sure to stop eating atleast an hour before you go to bed. Sleeping immediately after eating can lead to indigestion.

3. Don’t Consume Unhealthy Snacks & Drinks

To ensure a healthy pregnancy during Ramadan, you should avoid having caffeine as it can lead to dehydration. You should also avoid acidic or fatty foods in pregnancy during Ramadan as it can lead to heartburn. For a healthy pregnancy and Ramadan, also avoid having sugary foods and drinks.

4. Don’t Stress Yourself Out 

In pregnancy during Ramadan, it is important to stay calm and avoid stressful situations. Changes in routine, lack of food and water, and eating and drinking at different times, all contribute to stress. Even if your family and friends are staying up late during Ramadan, make sure you get enough rest and sleep and ensure that you have a Ramadan that is quieter and offers a more relaxing time.

Doctor At Home In Dubai | First Response Healthcare

If you are looking for a doctor for pre-Ramadan consultations or tests, or if you want to talk to a doctor about your concerns related to Ramadan and pregnancy, First Response Health Care (FRH) offers services of calling a doctor at home.

First Response Healthcare (FRH) is a JCI accredited home healthcare company in Dubai, that provides patients with prompt and reliable medical care in the comfort of their own home. FRH has received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission International Standards for its international quality service.

FRH offers a variety of services, including telephone consultations, doctor on call, full body checkups, and consultations with a nutritionist. Our team comprises DHA-certified doctors and they are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. Our doctors can travel anywhere in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah and can come to your home, office or hotel for a checkup. Our doctors can guide you regarding the best ways to take care of yourself during pregnancy in Ramadan. Over and above this, our doctors can also treat fevers, colds, migraines, allergic reactions, respiratory or chronic illnesses, gastrointestinal problems, or any other conditions that you might have.

• To book an appointment, you can call on: 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC
• You can book an appointment with our doctor 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Our doctor can be at your location within 30-45 minutes of your call.
• Our doctors can treat patients of all ages. 
• Our doctor can provide his/her services at your home, hotel, or office.
• We have a highly qualified team of multilingual doctors.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor for issues related to pregnancy during Ramadan, you can call 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also contact us through our website https://firstresponse.ae/