Fasting during the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy, is it safe?

Sahabat Hermina, fasting is a worship practice that has deep meaning for Muslims. However, when a woman is pregnant, the question of the safety of fasting becomes important, especially when entering the third trimester of pregnancy. The third trimester is often a period where nutritional and energy requirements increase significantly to support the growth of the developing baby. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider whether fasting during the third trimester of pregnancy is a safe choice for the health of the mother and baby.

Factors to Consider

• Maternal and Infant Health

The health of mothers and babies must be a top priority. If the mother is experiencing pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or other health problems, fasting may not be recommended and could be risky.

• Nutritional Needs

The third trimester is the time when the baby's growth reaches its peak. Pregnant women need optimal nutritional intake to support the health and development of their babies. Fasting can interfere with necessary nutritional intake, especially if the mother cannot consume enough food and drink during the fasting period.

• Dehydration

The risk of dehydration increases during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester when blood volume increases significantly. Fasting can increase the risk of dehydration, which can have a negative impact on the health of the pregnant woman and the development of the fetus.

• Physical Discomfort

The third trimester is often accompanied by physical discomfort such as bloating, back pain, and increased fatigue. Fasting can worsen these discomforts and make pregnant women feel weaker and more uncomfortable.

 Recommendations and Considerations 

• Consult a Doctor

Before deciding to fast during the third trimester of pregnancy, it is very important to consult with your doctor or midwife. They can provide appropriate advice based on the mother's health condition and the baby's development.

• Maintain fluid and nutritional intake

If you decide to fast, make sure to consume nutritious food and enough water during the time allowed for eating and drinking. This helps prevent dehydration and ensures adequate nutritional intake for mother and baby.

• Fast Wisely

If the mother's health condition or baby's development becomes compromised or if the mother feels very weak or uncomfortable, it is recommended to break the fast. The health of mothers and babies must be a top priority.

• Alternative Worship

If fasting is not recommended for health reasons, pregnant women can still gain rewards by performing other acts of worship such as reading the Koran, doing dhikr, or doing other good deeds.

So, deciding to fast during the third trimester of pregnancy is a decision that must be considered carefully and carried out wisely. The health of the mother and baby should be a major factor in making this decision. Consulting with medical personnel and maintaining adequate nutritional and fluid intake is the key to ensuring the safety and health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. If there are any doubts or concerns, it is always better to break the fast and prioritize health and safety. Stay healthy.