Yom Kippur is a few days before my due date. My doctor feels uncomfortable with me fasting. What should I do?
Pregnant women (or nursing women) must fast Yom Kippur like all healthy women.
The dispensation from fasting is only if it’s potentially a life-threatening condition. Therefore, in low-risk pregnancy, one should fast regularly unless accompanied by severe headaches, dehydration, dizziness etc.
It’s important to fast even at the expense of sleeping in bed all of Yom Kippur. Where practical, it’s important that husbands remain home instead of going to Shul, to help their wife who is fasting.
Likewise, one who is weak and can only fast if he or she remains in bed all day, should not attempt to go to Shul or Daven, rather they should fast and remain in bed. Attending Shul and/or Davening are of secondary importance in comparison to the biblical obligation to fast.
If, however, one feels that their condition has deteriorated Chas V’sholom to the extent that it becomes a question of Sakana, then one can break their fast with Shiurim. See below for guidelines regarding Shiurim.
One can assess their health situation themselves. If they’re feeling very faint, they should break the fast – using Shiurim.
A woman in labor is permitted to eat and drink. However, whether it’s advisable medically to eat and drink during labor is a medical debate. Every individual should consult their own doctor.
See here for some general tips:
See here for Guidelines regarding Shiurim:
Featured: How do I eat and drink on Yom Kippur with Shiurim?
