Pregnancy and Ramadhan Fasting

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a religious obligation for healthy adult Muslims. Pregnant and lactating mothers are exempt from fasting but they do fast during the month of Ramadan. Numerous metabolic, endocrinal changes and adaptations occur in pregnancy. The long hours of abstinence of food and liquids during pregnancy may affect the intrauterine environment. There are reports of undesirable and harmful effects of fasting on the mother and the foetus, whereas others do not report any such significant adverse effects. The conflicting reports confuse the pregnant mothers and the caring practitioners. The object of this article is to critically analyse the outcome of pregnancy due to Ramadan fasting and whether the Ramadan fasting adversely affect the mother and her foetus.