Introduction: fasting during Ramadan is compulsory for each Muslim. Although pregnant women are exempted from this necessary, but some pregnant women fast because of social, religious and cultural factors. Although fasting during pregnancy has no proven fetal and maternal complications, but in a study, people who were exposed to fasting during fetal period, coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in adult age. This study was performed with the aim to evaluate fasting rate during pregnancy and their beliefs and fasting methods during Ramadan.
Method: This descriptive retrospective study was performed on 215 pregnant women referred to Amol health care centers during Ramadan in2011. Data collection method was a questionnaire which was given to the subjects from the first of September until the end of November 2011. Data was analyzed with SPSS software (version 16) and Chi-square test and independent T-test. PResults: 68 (31.8%) of pregnant women were fast during Ramadan. Mean duration of women's fasting was 9.88 days. There were significant relationship between parity (0.017) and gestational age (0.029) and fasting. 71 (34%) of pregnant women believed that fasting is harmful for mother and 143 (66.7%) believed that it is harmful for fetus. The most common complications observed in mothers were the weakness and fatigue. Prenatal care for fasting pregnant women was not changed. Head circumference and neonate's weight were normal.
Conclusion:  The mother knowledge about the law of fasting during pregnancy and fasting method in is not enough, and must be promoted. Midwifes and other staff of health systems are required to understand the religious beliefs of people, and design consultation programs about decision-making to and appropriate care programs during pregnancy for fasting women.