Amman- Recently the issue of pregnant women fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan was discussed on the ‘My Life is Better’ segment of the ‘A New Day’ morning program which is broadcast on Jordan Television. Dr. Khaldoun al Sharif, Consultant OB-GYN and fertility expert, discussed the topic of pregnant women and the issue of fasting while pregnant. Dr. al Sharif offered vital advice for pregnant women to follow while fasting in order to ensure that they provide the proper nutrition for themselves and for the baby along with general health advice during pregnancy.
Some of the most important advice he offered for pregnant women to take care of themselves during Ramadan involved ensuring that the iftar meal is balanced and contains the adequate levels of nutritional elements, specifically protein, vitamins and minerals and he emphasized the importance of drinking plenty of liquids and water, specially on hot days.
Dr. al Sharif also highlighted the importance of eating the sohoor meal and said that it should be overlooked as it plays an important role in ensuring that pregnant women receive the necessary nutrition and energy to endure the daylight fasting period.
Dr. Khaldoun said that, ‘Fasting is a wonderful form of worship and it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting has health benefits and a pregnant woman can fast as long as there are no obstacles, and God Almighty has permitted a pregnant woman special designation to break her fast if necessary’. He explained that the cases in which a doctor would advise a pregnant woman not to fast during Ramadan to avoid any complications are: anemia, toxicity, high blood provide, stunted growth of the fetus, reduction in amniotic fluid, or going into early labour.
It is worth noting that the idea of broadcasting the ‘My Life is Better’ segment came from a recently agreed joint cooperation agreement between John Hopkins University and its media partners, the family health program ‘Our Health is our Responsibility’ along with Dr. Khaldoun Sharif to increase public awareness about all aspects of reproductive health in order to effectively utilise the media to improve the health habits of the Jordanian public.
