A pregnant or a breastfeeding woman fearing for her health or her baby's during Ramadan

Q 2: If a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding mother does not fast Ramadan because she is afraid that fasting might cause harm to herself or to her baby what should she do? Should she make up for the missed days of fasting in addition to feeding the poor, make up for the missed days of fasting without feeding the poor, or feed the poor without making up for the missed days? What should she do in this case?

A: If a pregnant woman is afraid that fasting will be harmful to her or to the fetus, then she is not obliged to fast. She is only required to make up the missed days of fasting, as her case is similar to that of someone who is sick and cannot fast, or one who fears that fasting may cause him harm. Allah says: ...and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Similarly, a mother who is breastfeeding and is afraid that fasting will cause harm to herself or to her baby is permitted not to fast during Ramadan and to make up for the missed days at a later time.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.