Pregnancy is a difficult and arduous journey that begins with good news and ends with the arrival of the new-born child that would fill the life of his parents with delight and happiness.

However, this journey is very difficult during the summer season, and enduring this while fasting is even more difficult. Doctors agree that a pregnant woman who does not suffer from any diseases or illnesses can fast. On the other hand, if she suffers from health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation of the urinary tract, anaemia, or heart problems, then she is allowed not to fast because of the disease (and not due to the pregnancy itself).

However, the fasting pregnant woman must break her fast immediately if she suffers from one or more of the following:

- Extreme hunger or thirst

- Dizziness

- Weak or slow movements of the baby

- Unconsciousness or lack of concentration.

Dear pregnant sister, here are some tips that will help you pass the month of Ramadan with your baby safely:

- Make sure you have the Suhoor (pre-dawn) meal, but eat it as late as possible to support you for most of the day. The Suhoor meal should contain starches and foods rich in calories such as dried dates or fruits, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits to help you withstand thirst during the fast.

- The pregnant woman needs about 2,250 calories daily and this can be obtained from foods that are rich in vitamins and mineral salts that contain iron, calcium, sodium and potassium. Hence, we recommend the pregnant woman to break her fast with a large cup of fruit juice to quench her thirst and provide her with the necessary calories rapidly.

- Normal amounts of salt in food are necessary to make up for the lost salts during sweating. The pregnant woman should refrain from having a lot of tea, coffee, soda, or ice cream.

- It is recommended to eat moderately and avoid the foods that cannot be digested easily such as fried foods, fats or fatty foods. Such things cause indigestion and acidity, which are common among pregnant women. Hence, it is preferred to boil food or grill it without any fats or oils.

- The pregnant woman should have a suitable quantity of the starches that are found in bread (one slice or piece), macaroni and rice (7 to 8 spoons). These foods provide the body with easily digested calories.

- Iftaar (the fast-breaking meal) should be completed with a dish of fresh vegetables and salads to help in digestion and provide the pregnant woman with vitamins.

- She should also have large amount of liquids (especially water and fresh juice) between the Iftaar and Suhoor meals.

- We should not forget that the pregnant woman needs about one litter of milk and its derivatives to provide herself and her baby with calcium, which is necessary for both of them. Hence, the Suhoor and Iftaar meals should contain dairy products (preferably yoghurt salad, buttermilk or skimmed milk).

- It is advisable to eat summer fruits such as watermelon, grapes and figs as a source of liquids, vitamins and minerals that would protect the pregnant woman from constipation.

- The pregnant woman should have a light meal between Iftaar and Suhoor. This meal should be rich in vitamins and calories. The best foods for such a meal are dried or fresh fruits that are recommended during the month of Ramadan. For example, the pregnant woman could have Qamar ad-Deen juice. However, the amount of sugar consumed should remain within an acceptable amount so as not to cause increase in weight.

We wish you an easy pregnancy and an accepted fast by the permission of Allah The Almighty.