Healthy Pregnancy - Yom Kippur

 Should a healthy woman in early pregnancy be fasting on Yom Kippur? 

Shalom uVracha,

She should fast.

These are the guidelines based on the directives of Maran HaGaon Rav Amrom Fried shlit”a

1. Normal pregnancy, feeling well – A pregnant woman whose pregnancy is proceeding normally and who feels well is obligated to fast as usual. She should prepare beforehand by drinking generously (3–4 liters of fluids) during the day prior to the fast. On Yom Kippur she should rest as much as possible, remain in an air-conditioned environment, and refrain from going to shul. The husband is obligated to assist his wife, even if this means missing tefillah b’tzibur.
2. Contractions or cramping – If contractions or cramping begin, she should drink shiurim. If that is not sufficient, she should drink normally.
3. Severe weakness or dizziness – If she feels very weak, experiences dizziness, or sees black spots before her eyes, she should drink shiurim. If that does not suffice, she should drink larger amounts.
4. Morning sickness and heartburn – Nausea or heartburn alone pose no risk to the fetus, only discomfort. However, in cases of frequent or severe vomiting—especially if she is unable to keep anything down—there is a real risk of dehydration. In such situations, she should drink shiurim. Likewise, if she knows that her nausea will certainly lead to repeated vomiting, she should drink shiurim.
5. Low hemoglobin – If her hemoglobin level is below 9, she should not fast at all and must eat and drink in shiurim.
6. Fear of fasting despite a healthy pregnancy – A woman with a normal pregnancy who nevertheless fears the fast, may arrange to receive an IV infusion before Yom Kippur administered by medical professionals (organizations such as Ezer Mizion or Hatzalah can be contacted). If this is done, she may receive even several liters of fluids during the fast.
7. High-risk pregnancy – In a case that the pregnancy is not progressing normally, the details vary and a competent Rav must be consulted.