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Ramadan and pregnancy: your weeks in Ramadan

See which weeks of your pregnancy fall in Ramadan, and your due date in the Hijri calendar. Before deciding to fast, talk to your doctor or midwife: they know your pregnancy.

Your pregnancy weeks during Ramadan

Enter your due date. We show the dates of Ramadan and which weeks of pregnancy you will be in. If Ramadan comes after your due date, we show that too: you will likely be caring for your newborn.

Before you decide about fasting

Talk to your doctor or midwife

Health services advise talking to your doctor or midwife before you decide to fast (Saudi Ministry of Health). They look at your health, your weeks of pregnancy and any problems, such as diabetes or low iron (anaemia) (NHS Leicester).

The religious side

Many religious scholars say that pregnant women may be excused from fasting, especially if fasting could harm them or the baby. We do not give religious rulings: please ask a scholar you trust.

Stop fasting and get medical advice if you

  • feel unwell at any time, for example dizzy, faint or very weak
  • feel thirsty or have dark pee (urine): break your fast and drink lots of water
  • feel your baby moving less than usual: call your midwife or maternity unit straight away
  • have contractions, pain or bleeding

Based on the Ramadan leaflet of an NHS maternity service (NHS Leicester).

For urgent signs, see urgent warning signs.

Questions people ask

Which weeks of my pregnancy fall in Ramadan?

Enter your due date above. We show the Ramadan dates and the weeks of pregnancy you will be in during the month.

Do I have to fast in Ramadan when I am pregnant?

This is a religious question, so please ask a scholar or imam you trust. Many say that pregnant women may be excused, especially if they fear harm to the baby (NHS North East London).

Is fasting safe for me?

Only your doctor or midwife can say, because they know your health and your pregnancy. Talk to them before Ramadan starts.

What will my doctor or midwife look at?

Your health, how many weeks pregnant you are and any problems so far, such as anaemia or gestational diabetes. Then you decide together.

Which signs mean I should stop fasting?

Break your fast if you feel unwell at any time, or if you feel thirsty or your pee is dark, and drink lots of water (NHS Leicester). If your baby moves less than usual, call your midwife or maternity unit straight away (NHS).

How are the Ramadan dates calculated?

We use the Umm al-Qura calendar built into your phone. The real start can differ by a day in your country, because it depends on the moon sighting.

Will my due date be in Ramadan or Eid?

The planner shows your due date in the Hijri calendar and tells you if Ramadan falls before or after it. Your baby may also come some days before or after the due date.

Read the full guide: Ramadan planner

Sources

Urgent signs · call the doctor now