A married man who traveled for work and left his wife pregnant, and she gave birth in seven months and ten days, which caused him to doubt her, and he considered divorcing her; can a pregnant woman give birth in seven months?

The questioner : He says: I am a married man, and I left my country and my wife and traveled outside the country for work. I stayed away for about nine months. My wife was pregnant, and she gave birth to her child in only seven months and ten days, which caused me to have doubts about her. I considered parting with her, but I could not do so due to my strong desire, and hers as well, for the continuation of our marital relationship. However, this doubt constantly worries me. I ask for your guidance: Can a pregnant woman give birth in seven months? What is the minimum and maximum possible duration of pregnancy? And what do you advise me to do?

The Shaykh : We advise you to remain with your wife, and we reassure you that there is no doubt in her giving birth at seven months. The minimum duration of pregnancy in which a child can live is six months, for Allah the Exalted says: And He the Exalted also said: If we subtract two years for the weaning period from thirty months, six months remain for the pregnancy. This is the minimum duration of pregnancy in which a child can live. If he is born, your son now, and praise be to Allah, has no doubt about him. You should remove these obsessions from yourself completely. As for the maximum duration of pregnancy, there is no limit to it according to the stronger opinion. Some scholars limit it to four months, and some to more, but as long as the pregnancy is certain in this woman's womb, she is carrying it until she gives birth.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.