Fasting During Pregnancy: Is It Safe for You and Your Baby?

It is not yet clear whether fasting is safe during pregnancy. There is no evidence that fasting is safe for you and your baby, but it has also not been proven that it causes any harm to the fetus. According to a study, very little or no effect has been seen on the children of women who fasted during pregnancy. Some other studies suggest that children of mothers who fast may have some health problems later in life. However, if your pregnancy is going well and your health is also good and if fasting gives you energy, then it is not harmful. But fasting in summer, when the days are longer and the weather is hotter and more humid, can lead to dehydration. This can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness and acidity.

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Studies have shown that if women fast during the first trimester, the baby's weight may be less at birth, but this difference is very less compared to those babies whose mothers did not fast. Some babies are born very thin and small, but there is very little difference in this too. Since the first trimester is a bit delicate, talk to your consultant or doctor before fasting, and visit them immediately in case of any problem.

(Read more - Diet during the first month of pregnancy)

Although fasting in the third trimester is largely considered safe, still talk to the doctor before fasting during this period. The third trimester of pregnancy is the time when the baby grows the most, and needs a lot of essential vitamins and minerals to develop properly. Your doctor will first examine you and then he should suggest accordingly. Women who have diabetes and are pregnant are prohibited from fasting.

(Read more - Benefits for Pregnant Women)

If you are pregnant and want to fast, keep the following things in mind:

• Caffeine is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration, so avoid tea and coffee. Drink lots of water and fresh fruit juices during this time.
• Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar, and eat fresh fruits instead.
• Some religions allow eating foods like fruits, juices and milk, especially during fasting. Drink water or juice at regular intervals. Coconut water is also a good source of nutrients.
• If the weather outside is hot or the sun is very strong, stay indoors and rest during the day. Avoid any kind of exercise or strenuous work.
• Stay calm and do not take any kind of stress. Pregnant women who fast have higher levels of stress than pregnant women who do not fast.
• Do not do anything that makes you tired. Do not walk long distances. Do not hesitate to seek help from others.
• Take suggestions from friends and family members who have fasted while pregnant. 

• Some fasts, like Ramadan, do not allow eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset, so consult your doctor if you are going to take such physical stress.
• Islamic law allows pregnant women not to fast if there is a risk to the life of the mother or baby. However, you can make up for not fasting by doing Fidyah. Fidyah means feeding a poor person every day or donating to a food bank if you are not fasting. By talking to your doctor about your and your baby's health, you can make the right decision about whether you want to fast or not. Healthy and nutritious Iftar (evening meal) and Suhoor (meal before sunrise) with plenty of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals will fulfill the essential nutritional needs of you and your baby.

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If you feel any of the following symptoms during fasting in pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately -

• If you are losing weight, go to the doctor immediately. Weight loss is not good during pregnancy.
• Dehydration should also not be ignored.
• Inform the doctor even if you have problems with indigestion and constipation for a few days.
• Medical help should also be sought for headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, lethargy etc.
• If you feel a decrease in the baby's movements or are experiencing labor pain, contact your doctor immediately.

The following things can be considered as an alternative to fasting:

• If possible, instead of fasting daily, fast on the first and last day.
• If possible, instead of daily fasting, fasting can be done on alternate days or weekly.
• Just as some facts do not allow eating anything, then by not doing such a fast, you should only eat non-vegetarian, sweet or salty foods during pregnancy, that is, instead of these, you should eat fruits etc. This is at least better than not eating or drinking anything.
• Do charity in institutions, donate ration items to religious places. Avoid some things that you like very much like shopping or watching movies etc.
• Religious communities also say that fasting is only acceptable if you are fit and if you are not well, you should not fast. However, you can decide for yourself how strong and healthy you feel at this time and what is right for you and your baby.

(Read more - Indigestion during pregnancy)

Whether to fast or not during pregnancy is a personal and health-related decision, which should be made based on the doctor's advice. Both the mother and the baby need adequate nutrition during pregnancy, so fasting can cause weakness or nutrient deficiency in the body. If fasting is necessary, it is important to take a balanced diet like fruits, dry fruits and adequate amounts of water. Staying hungry for a long time can cause problems like dizziness, weakness, and falling sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before fasting and give priority to your health.