Fasting During Pregnancy with Low Iron
Question
A pregnant woman with a low iron level on Yom Kippur: what halachic and medical guidelines should she know before the fast? I want to go to the synagogue, and I want her to know what to do if she does not feel well or if something happens.
Answer
Shalom u’vracha
Low iron stores are not a reason to refrain from fasting, except when her hemoglobin is usually high and now it is below 9.
When the woman is weak, and if she rests she will be able to continue fasting, but if she does not rest she will need to eat or drink even in “shiurim” (measured quantities), the husband is obligated to remain at home and not go to synagogue, so that the woman can rest and continue fasting.
Attached is the guidelines sheet of our teacher, Rabbi Amram Fried shlita.
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