Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Fasting

Get individual advice

Pregnancy and breastfeeding change nutritional and fluid needs, and the safety of fasting depends on the person, stage of pregnancy, health conditions, medicines, feeding pattern and other factors. Discuss your plans with your midwife, obstetric team, GP or other appropriate clinician.

Religious concession

Islamic schools recognise concessions relating to pregnancy and breastfeeding when there is concern about harm, but details about making up fasts or fidya differ. Follow a qualified scholar or the school you trust for the ruling that applies to you.

Do not delay assessment

Reduced fetal movement, fainting, severe weakness, signs of dehydration, contractions, heavy bleeding or other urgent symptoms require prompt medical assessment. A breastfeeding parent who is worried about milk supply, infant feeding or their own hydration should seek individual advice.

Source: NHS hydration guidance says 6–8 cups/glasses a day is a general guide outside fasting and that needs vary with pregnancy, breastfeeding, heat, activity and illness: NHS — Water, drinks and hydration.

Health note: general information only, not individual medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, older, take regular medicines, or live with diabetes, kidney disease, blood-pressure problems or another long-term condition, discuss fasting with a healthcare professional before Ramadan. Do not delay urgent care. For the religious ruling that applies to your circumstances, consult a qualified scholar you trust.

Medical and legal questions are separate

A clinician assesses risks such as dehydration, inadequate intake, pregnancy complications or breastfeeding needs. A scholar explains the religious concession and whether qada and/or fidya applies under the view followed.

Do not use population averages as personal clearance

Research on fasting in pregnancy does not make one recommendation safe for every pregnancy. Symptoms, trimester, comorbidities and fetal growth all matter.

Frequently asked questions

Can a breastfeeding mother fast safely?

It depends on the parent, infant, feeding pattern and health circumstances. Ask an appropriate healthcare professional for individual advice rather than relying on a generic yes/no answer.