)
Sick people do not have to fast on Tisha Be-Av. For this purpose, “sick” means someone needs to stop whatever they are doing and go lie down. Similarly, those who are weak are exempt from fasting, if they know fasting will likely make them sick. For example, a person who has an active ulcer or severe migraines is exempt, because fasting could bring on an attack. Someone exempt from fasting due to illness can eat as usual, starting with breakfast, and drink as much as necessary. Nevertheless, it is appropriate to refrain from eating indulgently.
Those who take medication regularly, such as someone with a chronic illness or someone who has started a course of antibiotics, must take their medicine even on Tisha Be-Av. If they take pills, they should be swallowed without water if possible. If not, or if the medicine must be taken with water, a little soap should be added to the water so it tastes bad.
Pregnant women must fast on Tisha Be-Av, even if they are suffering from the normal symptoms that accompany pregnancies, as they are not defined as sick. Nevertheless, if they are feeling particularly weak, they are considered sick and thus are exempt from fasting. A woman uncertain about her situation should begin fasting. Then if she feels weaker than normal for someone who is pregnant, she should eat and drink. Nursing mothers are also obligated to fast on Tisha Be-Av. Here too, if they feel weaker than normal for a nursing mother, they may eat and drink. For the first thirty days after giving birth, a woman is categorized as sick and is exempt from fasting.
