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Yom Kippur, pregnant with nausea and dehydration

2 October, 2022
Question:

Under what circumstances and how can I break the fast on Yom Kippur if I need to? I am pregnant, second trimester, have had terrible nausea the whole pregnancy, and have been taking medication to control it.

I have also been dehydrated in the pregnancy, so I have had to control fluids slowly during the day.

Thank you!


Answer:

Thank you for reaching out to us.

We are sorry to hear of your nausea and dehydration over the course of the pregnancy.

Based on your description, it is not clear that you would be permitted to fast.

Your first step is to speak with your physician as soon as possible to clarify:

  1. If it is considered safe for you to start the fast
  2. If so, what physical signs would indicate that the fast needs to be broken
  3. If it could suffice in that case for you to eat and drink in shiurim (small amounts), or if you should begin the fast eating and drinking in shiurim.

See here for details about shiurim.

Please get back to us to follow up. For an immediate response, please call our telephone hotline or consult a local halachic authority.

Shana Tova and B’sha’a Tova!

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