What is the ruling on a man who divorced his wife before consummating the marriage and then took her back, thinking that it was permissible to do so, but then it became clear to him that it was not permissible? Is it permissible for him to renew the marriage contract now before she gives birth, or must the woman observe the iddah, and what is the preponderant opinion on this issue?

If a man divorces his wife before consummation, he has no right of return to her, and he must separate from her immediately because she has become a stranger to him. She observes the waiting period from him by giving birth. He may contract with her anew, even if she is pregnant, because the pregnancy is his, and this pregnancy is attributed to him because he thought the marriage was still valid.