Perinatal Care of Arab Muslim Women

The birthing experience is a universal experience but strongly influenced by the culture of the patient, health care providers, and institution. Arab Muslim patients’ spiritual and cultural values are intertwined and affect their lives, including pregnancy, labor, and neonatal care.

A review of the literature and practices within a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia describes the values of the Arab Muslim patient. The spiritual values based on Islam necessitate an understanding of practices such as using  zam-zam  water, praying, reading of the  Qu’ran , and specific religious practices around the neonate including  Adhan . Cultural practices specific to the perinatal period that need acknowledgment include the use of special phrases such as  Ma’shalah, Bismi’ allah  before caring for patients as protection against beliefs such as the Evil Eye.