Running head: PERINATAL CONSIDERATIONS

Perinatal Considerations in the Muslim Population

Graham Uy
Kapi olani Community College

PERINATAL CONSIDERATIONS

Perinatal Considerations in the Muslim Population

Islamic culture is rich in perinatal customs and values, which are deeply guided by the
devotion to the god, Allah. Religious followers of Islam are referred to as Muslims. Despite the
prejudice and stigma that is associated with Muslims, the professional nurse is still expected to
practice in accord to the ANA code of ethics which maintains that the delivery of nursing care is
to be respectful of an individuals unique and particular needs or values, and free of prejudice.
By highlighting some of the core beliefs and customary practices of Islamic culture, the goal of
this article is to promote cultural awareness and sensitivity and facilitate the provision of quality
nursing care to Muslim patients during the perinatal period.
Family Planning in Islam
Birth control methods are not established in the Quran. However, there are still cultural
regulations in place. In addition to natural methods such as coitus interruptus and abstinence
during the highly fertile periods, most Western pharmacotherapies are acceptable (From
Marriage, 2016). This includes oral contraceptives, Depo-provera, intrauterine and barrier
devices. The general rule of thumb is that methods which prevent implantation are considered
acceptable. Any interventions that are initiated after implantation of the egg into the uterine
lining is haram, or forbidden, and a crime against the law of Allah (From Marriage, 2016).
There is hardly any justification for an abortion. Perhaps, the only scenario is if the
pregnancy is less than 18 weeks of gestation and is declared with reasonable certainty, to place
the mother at risk of serious harm (From Marriage, 2016). The cultural significance of the 18week gestational age is that it is considered the moment in which Allah breathes a spirit into the
fetus (From Marriage, 2016).

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Pregnancy

Conception is viewed as a direct blessing from Allah (From Marriage, 2016). In an

Islamic anecdote, the Prophet Muhammad witnessed a pregnant cat being chased out of a
mosque by those in attendance for prayer; and this caused him great disappointment (Ali,
personal communication, February 26, 2016). The interpretation of this anecdote is that
pregnancy warrants an increase in value, and thus pregnant Muslim women become of higher
status. In dignity, intellect and respect, she is increased (Ali, personal communication, February
26, 2016).
The role of the father during pregnancy is also adjusted. In comparison to the mother who
increases in status, the fathers increase comes in the form of responsibility. One of his primary
responsibilities is to establish an environment that is according to the mothers liking, so that she
is able to maintain a healthy spirit and strict devotion to Allah (Ali, personal communication,
February 26, 2016; From Marriage, 2016). The fathers role as a provider is also stressed, as he
is expected to cater to the mothers desires. Whether it is more gold, more property, or particular
foods, the father is responsible to please the pregnant mother (Ali, personal communication,
February 26, 2016).
Labor
Prayers to Allah are performed once labor begins. Allah is asked to grant a complication
free birth, and for female physicians and healthcare providers to be available for care giving (Ali,
personal communication, February 26, 2016). It is acceptable for a male physician to provide
care if there are absolutely no females to do so; or if the life of the mother or fetus is in jeopardy
(Ali, personal communication, February 26, 2016).

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Postpartum

Again after the delivery of the infant, prayers and praises are made to Allah. The
preference for privacy at this time depend on the individual (Merek, personal communication,
February 26, 2016). The first thing that is customary for the postpartum mother to consume is
dates (From Marriage, 2016). The female family members who have children are typically the
ones that provide assistance to the newborn and mother.
As soon as possible after deliver, prayers are also spoken directly into the newborns ears.
This is typically done by the father, or a respected family member (Muslim birth, 2001) In the
right ear is whispered the Adhan prayer; and into the left goes the Iqamah (From Marriage,
2016). It takes only a few minutes, and privacy at this time is appreciated (Merek, personal
communication, February 26, 2016).
Infant Considerations
It is traditional for Muslim woman to breastfeed. The recommended overall length of
time for breastfeeding is two years (Ali, personal communication, February 26, 2016; From
Marriage, 2016). However, if breastfeeding is difficult or supplementation is necessary, the use
of formula is an acceptable practice (Merek, personal communication, February 26, 2016).
Another custom for the infant is that a date is smashed or grinded up and rubbed into the
upper palate. When dates are inaccessible, honey may be used as a substitute. This is done by a
respected family member in hopes that his or her positive attributes will be transferred to the
newborn (Muslim birth, 2001).
Circumcision for males is an acceptable practice. Its importance is viewed for hygienic
purposes (Muslim birth, 2001). It is usually performed within a few weeks of birth.

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Conclusion

Muslim patients have a very strong devotion to Allah. Because of this, their adherence to
Islamic doctrines is very strict. By possessing a good cultural understanding, healthcare
professionals can continue to provide quality, patient centered care. According to Ali and Merek
(personal communication, February 26, 2016), the care that they have received here in Honolulu
has been exceptional. Ali goes so far as to say that they probably could not receive the same level
of care back in Pakistan. One thing that Ali and Merek were particular satisfied with was when a
male physician was necessary, a thorough explanation was provided for why he was needed; and
even then, the male stood behind the curtain and came around only at the point he was needed.
This is another demonstration of Hawaiis diverse population, and how well Hawaii healthcare
providers have been able to maintain a respectable level of cultural sensitivity.

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References

Muslim birth customs. (2001). Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed, 84, F6-F8. Retrieved from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1721205/pdf/v084p000F6.pdf
From marriage to parenthood the heavenly path. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.alislam.org/from-marriage-to-parenthood-heavenly-path-abbas-and-shaheen-merali