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I'm newly pregnant and feeling ill. Should I fast ?

Certain pregnancy-related conditions such as severe pregnancy sickness can excuse you from fasting. You should not ignore this special permission if you feel that fasting could cause harm to you or your baby. (You can replace the fasting days that you skipped when you are able to do so after your pregnancy is over.)



In the early stages of pregnancy, it is common to feel queasy or nauseous. Many pregnant women also experience vomiting, sometimes called morning sickness (though it can happen at any time of day or night). Other common side effects of early pregnancy are:
-    tiredness
-    constipation
-    headaches
-    light-headedness.
These problems may become more pronounced in some pregnant women if you aren't eating or drinking for long periods of time.
Changes in your routine, a lack of food and water and eating and drinking at different times can all cause stress. One study found that pregnant women who fasted had higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in their blood than women who didn't. This, in addition to the natural worry you may feel as a newly pregnant woman, could put a strain on your health.
Whether or not you decide to fast, it is possible that problems such as dizziness, blurred vision and cramping could occur. If you have any of these or other symptoms that concern you, speak to your doctor.
Talk to a trusted religious authority, family member or doctor about whether fasting is right for you. We have more answers to other questions you might have about fasting and pregnancy.

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