Do I have to fast while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, not if fasting could harm you or your baby. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are allowed to skip Ramadan fasts when they fear harm to themselves or their child. You make up the missed days later, and in some schools you also pay fidyah (feeding a poor person). If you feel well and your midwife or doctor agrees, you may fast, but you never have to put your health or your baby's at risk.
The concession for mothers
The Prophet ﷺ said that Allah has remitted half the prayer to a traveler, and fasting to the traveler, "the woman who is suckling an infant and the woman who is pregnant" (Sunan Abi Dawud 2408, graded hasan sahih; also Jami' at-Tirmidhi 715). Islam treats this as a mercy, not a loophole.
Scholars agree that if fasting would harm the mother or baby, or if a qualified medical professional advises against it, she should not fast. The same principle covers other health conditions. See Do I have to fast during Ramadan if I have diabetes?
Make up, fidyah, or both?
This is where the schools differ:
- Hanafi: make up the missed days only; no fidyah.
- Shafi'i and Hanbali: if you skipped out of fear for yourself, make up only. If you skipped only out of fear for the baby, make up the days and also pay fidyah for each day.
- Maliki: a pregnant woman makes up only; a breastfeeding woman makes up and pays fidyah.
- A minority view, reported from some Companions, says fidyah alone is enough. Some scholars use it for mothers who are pregnant or nursing for several Ramadans in a row.
Follow the school you normally follow, or ask your local imam. There's no rush: you can make up days gradually before the next Ramadan, and many scholars give extra time when back-to-back pregnancies make it hard.
Talk to your midwife or doctor
Every pregnancy is different. Before Ramadan (expected to start around early February 2027), ask your midwife, GP or obstetrician whether fasting is safe for you. Mention your stage of pregnancy, any conditions like anemia or gestational diabetes, and for breastfeeding, your baby's age and feeding pattern. If you do fast, stop right away if you feel dizzy, faint, very thirsty or notice reduced baby movements or milk supply, and seek medical advice.
Staying part of Ramadan
Not fasting doesn't shut you out of the month. You can still pray, read Quran, make dua, give charity and host iftar. If this is your first Ramadan as a convert and you're also pregnant, go easy on yourself. See Do I have to fast Ramadan in my first year as a Muslim?
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women may skip fasting if they fear harm.
- Missed days are made up later; fidyah depends on your school.
- Get advice from your midwife or doctor before Ramadan.
- Stop fasting immediately if you feel unwell.
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