Fasting During Pregnancy - Taking Antibiotics

A woman in her fifth month of pregnancy feels generally very unwell and is also taking antibiotics. Should she fast on Yom Kippur, and if so, how?

A. Pregnant Woman : If the pregnancy is normal and she feels well, she should fast as usual. She should prepare herself the day before the fast by drinking a large amount of fluids — between three to four liters on the day before the fast, and it is even better to increase fluid intake in the days prior.

B. In case of contractions or labor pains, she should drink in small quantities, and if that is not enough, she should drink normally.

C. If the woman feels strong weakness and dizziness and sees black before her eyes, she should drink in small quantities, as any person would in such a situation.

D. Nausea during pregnancy poses no risk to the fetus, only discomfort. However, in the case of frequent vomiting, dehydration may occur, so if the woman vomits a lot, she should drink in small quantities.

E. When hemoglobin is below 9, one should not fast and should eat and drink in small quantities. If the pregnancy is not normal, there are many details, and one should consult a wise person.

F . There is an option to connect to an IV before Yom Kippur, and on Yom Kippur, it is possible to connect even several liters of fluids.

G . The husband is obligated to help his wife, even if it means missing communal prayer.

H. In our case, if on Yom Kippur she feels well, she can skip the antibiotic pill and take it after the fast, and four hours later take another pill.