19.02.2026 20:31
Nadir Cömert, a specialist in diseases and childbirth at Sivas Medicana Hospital, made evaluations regarding pregnant women fasting during Ramadan, stating, "In high-risk pregnancies, we can encounter both losses in the womb and situations such as miscarriage."
With the beginning of the month of Ramadan, the issue of whether pregnant women can fast has come to the forefront again. Especially pregnant women frequently consult doctors about whether their health conditions are suitable for fasting.
Experts emphasize that evaluations should be made according to the stage of pregnancy and the mother's health condition. According to experts, long-term fasting is not recommended during the first three months of pregnancy, as the baby's organ development occurs during this period. In the last three months, fasting is generally not recommended due to the increased nutritional, protein, vitamin, and glucose needs of both the baby and the mother.
THE EXPERT WARNED
In statements regarding the issue, Nadir Cömert, a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Medicana Sivas Hospital, said that the mid-pregnancy period is a more suitable time for fasting, stating, "We do not recommend it especially for those with chronic diseases. For example, we certainly do not recommend fasting for those with chronic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and similar conditions. Other than that, perhaps fasting with a dietitian could be much better."
Cömert noted that the baby could be affected by prolonged hunger and thirst, stating, "In risky pregnancies, we can encounter losses in the womb and situations like miscarriage."
"WE DO NOT RECOMMEND IT FOR CHRONIC DISEASES"
Nadir Cömert stated that he does not recommend fasting for those with chronic diseases, saying, "The month of Ramadan has started. Our patients, especially our pregnant women, are asking a lot. 'Doctor, can I fast?' Of course, we have recommendations for our patients who want to fast. Generally, we do not recommend fasting during the first three months and the last three months. In the first three months, there is organ development and the baby's growth. In the last three months, the nutritional needs of both the baby and the mother increase significantly. Since the needs for protein, sugar, glucose, and vitamins increase a lot, we actually do not recommend it. The mid-pregnancy period may be a time when fasting could be more feasible. But of course, there may be special conditions for the patient. We do not recommend it especially for those with chronic diseases. For example, we certainly do not recommend fasting for those with chronic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and similar conditions. Other than that, perhaps fasting with a dietitian could be much better," he stated.
"THERE MAY BE NEGATIVE EFFECTS"
Cömert also mentioned, "There may be questions about how to eat at iftar and what to eat at sahur. If possible, our patient can manage this situation with a dietitian. In that respect, it is best to manage this process with both an obstetrician and a dietitian. Prolonged hunger lowers blood sugar levels. After that, the breakdown of fat cells begins. Ketone production starts. When this ketone production rises to a somewhat high level in the blood, it can affect the baby in the long term. Therefore, there may be negative effects, although not very clear. After that, of course, there is also the issue of fluid; there is a fluid we call amniotic fluid related to the baby's fluid. The baby can be affected by prolonged hunger and thirst. In risky pregnancies, we can encounter losses in the womb and situations like miscarriage," he said.