Reference: Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 1, Page 366, Fatwa No.323
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa Shaykh Saalih Ibn Fowzaan – Volume 3, Pages 147-148
Question: When is it permissible for the pregnant and breastfeeding women to refrain from fasting in Ramadhaan? And what invalidates the fast? And is it permissible for a woman to take pills which [temporarily] prevent the onset of the menses so she is able to fast the month of Ramadhaan without interruption?
Response: It is permissible for the pregnant [women] and breastfeeding [women] to refrain from fasting if they feel their fasting will harm their child. That is because it is quite possible the fast would weaken the nourishment the child in his mother’s womb needs. So if the situation is like that, then she should refrain from fasting and make up the [missed] fasts later on in addition to feeding [a poor and needy person for each day missed]. And if she feared for her health whilst fasting because she cannot fast whilst she is pregnant or breastfeeding, then she must refrain from fasting and make up the [missed] fasts later on and [as such] she is not required to feed [a poor and needy person for each day missed]. This is what relates to the pregnant [women] and the breast feeding [women].
And it is permissible for the woman to take pills which [temporarily] prevent the onset of the menses so she can fast [the month of Ramadhaan without interruption] so long as the pills do not harm her health.
