Several holidays and events worldwide, such as Lent and Ramadan, require individuals to fast. So, if these occasions coincide with your pregnancy period, you might wonder whether or not it is safe to fast during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that fasting during pregnancy may potentially affect the baby long-term (1). Although fasting can be good for health, it may not be a good decision during pregnancy as your child requires adequate nourishment. So, continue reading to learn more about how fasting might affect the mother and the developing fetus.
Is Fasting During Pregnancy Safe?
There is no clear answer to this since there is no research on how fasting during pregnancy can affect the mother or the baby. However, some studies report that babies born to mothers who fasted during pregnancy may have to deal with health implications in later life (2). Please note that fasting during summer months may lead to headaches, exhaustion, acidity, and dizziness since the days are hot, long and humid. There is also a possibility of dehydration.
How Does Fasting During Pregnancy Affect The Baby In The Womb?
Although fasting will not affect the baby in the womb, it can have long-term outcomes. Research has revealed two hypotheses concerning the fetal effects (3).
Should Pregnant Women Fast During Ramadan?
Pregnant women should try to avoid fast during Ramadan as they may put their baby’s health at risk. Moreover, if Ramadan falls in summer, it is challenging to stay without food and water from dawn until sunset. It is always good to seek advice from the doctor before you think of it (4). The Islamic law also permits pregnant women to skip fasting but make up for it by feeding the poor or donating food to someone (5).
Is Intermittent Fasting Safe During Pregnancy?
Intermittent fasting may pose a danger to both the mother and the baby as the shortened eating window can stimulate weight loss. Though studies say that this type of fasting plays a prominent role in improving metabolism, curbing inflammation and boosting cellular protection, the risks involved with it far outweigh the benefits (6).
Tips For Safe Fasting During Pregnancy
Continuous fasting for an extended period may not be advisable but if you want to fast for a few days in between, here are a few tips to follow: If you think you can manage to fast with these tips, find out how to prepare for fasting next.
How Should You Prepare For Fasting?
Planning is essential to make fasting easier during this season:
Limit your intake of addictive and habitual substances one to two weeks before you begin fasting. They could be tea, coffee, soda, cigarettes or alcohol. This will mitigate the chances of withdrawal symptoms you might experience while fasting, and also reduce toxins in the body.
Make changes to your diet one or two weeks before you begin fasting. Cut down on refined sugar, high fat, baked foods, chocolates, and candies. Reduce the consumption of meat and dairy products; instead, have more of raw or cooked fruits and vegetables.
Have lots of liquids including water, vegetable and fruit juices. They keep your body hydrated for quite some time.
Get enough sleep at night so that the body gets accustomed to a routine and takes to fasting during the daytime.
Have a health check-up to understand if there are any possible complications such as anemia or gestational diabetes. Once you start fasting, you should go for frequent check-ups to monitor blood sugar levels.
Talk to your employer regarding your work management – whether taking work from home option or reducing working hours so that you do not have to spend a lot of time outdoors.
What Are The Warning Signs When Fasting?
You should end the fast when you start to experience the following symptoms:
Gaining or losing weight.
Reduced frequency of urination or dark colored urine that could be a sign of dehydration.
Constipation, indigestion, headaches, lethargy, fever, nausea and vomiting.
A decrease in baby movements or labor like pain
If the symptoms are not worrisome, you can continue fasting, but follow a routine when breaking the fast, and eat healthily.
What Is The Best Way To Break The Fast?
Break the fast with a variety of healthy foods and drinks. When it comes to Ramadan, you can consume at Suhoor (meal at pre-dawn) and Iftar (meal at dusk).
Include complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains and seeds, oats,brown breads, dalia), high-dietary fiber foods (vegetables, pulses, and dried fruits). They offer high energy and prevent constipation.
Cut down sugary foods as they elevate the blood sugar levels, causing dizziness.
Choose healthier options such as chickpeas and potatoes instead of high-fat and refined foods.
Eggs, meat, fish, paneer, mushroom, nuts, and beans offer protein that supports your baby’s growth.
Consume plenty of water and fluids between meals, and avoid caffeinated drinks.
Still Not Sure If You Should Fast? What You Should Do
If you are unsure about taking up the fast, you should:
Ask your healthcare provider for a complete health check-up.
Get advice from the priest or Islamic sheik to help you make the right decision.
Try fasting for a day or two and check for yourself if you can sustain.
In case complete or proper fasting is not possible, you may consider alternatives.
Can You Do Daniel Fast While Pregnant?
Yes, you can try Daniel fasting while pregnant, provided you are healthy enough. This is ideal if you are a vegan or vegetarian since this diet focuses mainly on vegetables and excludes animal sources. But if you are a non-vegetarian, you can ease the fast by excluding some foods slowly before you begin the fast.
