Many pregnant women face questions about the extent to which fasting affects their health and the health of the fetus, especially with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan. Concerns are increasing about obtaining adequate nutrition and the extent to which the growth and movement of the fetus is affected by abstaining from food and drink for long hours. Is fasting safe for pregnant women?
The effects of fasting on the health of pregnant women
A pregnant woman's decision to fast depends largely on her individual health condition, and we always advise consulting a doctor before making this decision. The effects of fasting on the pregnant woman range between positive and negative depending on the pregnant woman's general health before pregnancy, the stage of pregnancy, the number of hours of fasting, the weather, and the presence of any pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes or anemia.
The most important positive effects of fasting on pregnant women include the following:
- Improving digestion, due to resting the digestive system, which may alleviate some common problems in pregnancy such as bloating and heartburn.
- Controlling weight and regulating weight gain in some pregnant women, which reduces the risk of excessive gain.
- Preventing gestational diabetes in some cases, because fasting may help regulate blood sugar levels.
While the potential risks of fasting for pregnant women include the following:
- Dehydration, as a result of not drinking enough fluids during breakfast.
- Nutritional deficiency, as the mother and fetus do not obtain the nutrients necessary for fetal growth, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- Low fetal weight, especially in the first months of pregnancy.
- Fatigue, general weakness, and feeling exhausted as a result of low blood sugar levels during long hours of fasting.
- Premature birth, in rare cases;
- The relationship of fasting to the movement and growth of the fetus
The relationship between fasting and the movement and growth of the fetus depends on various factors, including the mother’s health condition and the stage of pregnancy. In general, fasting is considered safe in certain cases and under medical supervision, but it may pose a risk in other cases.
The effects of fasting on pregnant women in terms of fetal growth and movement include the following:
- Low fetal weight, which is one of the potential risks of fasting, especially if the mother does not get adequate nutrition between iftar and suhoor.
- Lack of nutrition and oxygen. Fasting for long periods may cause a drop in the mother’s blood sugar levels, which reduces the fetus’s supply of energy and oxygen necessary for its growth and development. This may affect the growth of the skull, face, and body in general.
- High levels of stress hormones such as cortisol in the mother, which can affect the growth of the fetus in the long term, and may increase the risk of developing some health problems later in life.
- Decreased fetal movement. Fasting and lack of fluids and food may cause the fetus to feel distressed, which may cause it to reduce its movement.
تعرفى على : متى يبدأ غثيان الحمل؟ وهل له علاقة بجنس الجنين؟
Nutritional and health tips for pregnant women during Ramadan
To avoid the negative effects of fasting on pregnant women, here are some nutritional and health tips that you can follow if you want to fast during the month of Ramadan:
- Consult a doctor before fasting, and this is the most important advice of all. Fasting during pregnancy is not safe for everyone, and the matter depends on the mother’s general health, the presence of diseases, the health of the fetus, its growth, and the stage of pregnancy.
- Commit to eating the suhoor meal just before dawn, as it is the most important meal for a pregnant woman, as it provides her with energy throughout the day. Focus should be on eating complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber.
- Avoid eating simple sugars, such as sweets, as they raise blood sugar quickly and then fall quickly, causing hunger and fatigue.
- When eating breakfast, start gradually to prepare your body for food. It is preferable to start with 3 dates as a quick source of energy and rich in fiber.
- Focus in breakfast on light proteins, such as grilled fish and skinless chicken, and complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice with various vegetables.
- Avoid eating fried, fatty and spicy foods that cause indigestion and acidity at breakfast time.
- Eat at least two snacks between iftar and suhoor, including fresh fruits, unsalted nuts, and yoghurt or milk.
- Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water between iftar and suhoor.
- Avoid drinks that contain caffeine because they are diuretics and cause dehydration.
- Avoid effort and strenuous exercise during the day.
- Get enough sleep at night and try to take a short nap during the day if possible to replenish energy.
- Stay in air-conditioned or well-ventilated areas during the day and avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
Dealing with nausea while fasting
After knowing the effects of fasting on pregnant women, dealing with nausea during fasting for pregnant women requires a smart strategy that focuses on preventing its occurrence as well as alleviating it when it appears. We advise you to do the following:
- Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods, especially during suhoor, as they irritate the stomach and increase nausea.
- Focus on simple carbohydrates and light protein for breakfast and suhoor.
- Do not fill your stomach completely during Iftar and divide your Iftar into two or three light meals between Maghrib and Suhoor.
- Drink small and separate amounts of water between iftar and suhoor instead of drinking a large amount at once, and avoid drinking large amounts of water during meals because this causes a full stomach and a feeling of nausea.
- Always start with light, dry foods when eating breakfast, such as one or two dates.
- To relieve nausea during the day, inhale refreshing scents such as peppermint essential oil or lemon.
- Keep yourself occupied with quiet work, reading a book, or taking a walk in a well-ventilated area to help distract from nausea.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating. Sit upright or lie down with your upper body elevated with pillows.
- Avoid hot or poorly ventilated places, as they increase the feeling of nausea.
يمكنك قراءة ايضًا : Preeclampsia symptoms, causes and methods of prevention
Warning signs that require stopping fasting
By following some of the tips we mentioned above, the negative effects of fasting on pregnant women can be avoided, but there are warning signs that require stopping fasting immediately and going to the doctor, examples of which include:
- Signs of severe dehydration, because it affects the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, such as significantly less urination, less than 3-4 times a day, or very dark urine with a strong odor, severe dryness in the mouth and skin.
- Feeling severe dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
- Low blood sugar: Its signs include a feeling of severe trembling, general weakness, cold sweating, a feeling of confusion, lack of concentration or dizziness, and blurred or blurred vision.
- خفقان القلب.
- A noticeable decrease in fetal movement or usual activity.
- Complete cessation of fetal movement for a long period, especially after the 24th week.
- Persistent pain or cramps in the lower back.
- Feeling increased pressure in the pelvic area.
- Any vaginal bleeding or watery discharge indicates that the fetal sac has burst.
- A severe headache that does not improve with rest or is accompanied by vision disturbances.
- Severe nausea that interferes with your ability to perform daily tasks.
- Weight loss during pregnancy.
تعرفى على : العناية بالحامل في الشهور الأولى
Low blood sugar levels during pregnant women during Ramadan
Low blood sugar is one of the most common effects of fasting on pregnant women, because the fetus constantly needs glucose from your blood, even during fasting.
Also, during pregnancy, the placenta secretes hormones that make the mother’s body cells more resistant to insulin in order to ensure that food reaches the fetus, which may lead to severe fluctuations in blood sugar.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- Tremor or trembling in the hands.
- Sudden cold sweats.
- Paleness in the face.
- خفقان القلب.
- Feeling very hungry.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- صداع.
- Unusual tension or nervousness.
- Blurred or blurred vision in severe cases.
- Confusion and imbalance.
Reasons and ways to relieve pregnant women’s headaches during fasting
Headaches during fasting during pregnancy are common, and there are several reasons behind them, including:
- Low blood sugar level.
- الجفاف.
- Caffeine withdrawal, if you regularly drink coffee or tea.
- Lack of sleep or changing sleep schedules.
- Stress, stress, change in life routine, and anxiety about fasting and the health of the fetus.
- Low blood pressure, especially in the first and second trimester of pregnancy.
But fortunately, there are effective ways to reduce it, examples of which include:
- Prevent headaches by focusing on eating complex carbohydrates at suhoor, as they release energy slowly and protect against low blood sugar. Also, add protein with the meal to keep you full for a longer period.
- Adequate hydration and drinking water regularly. Your goal is 8-10 cups of water distributed between iftar and suhoor.
- Avoid drinking diuretic drinks such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
- Sleep, rest, and take a short nap during the day to compensate for the deficiency.
- When you feel a headache, you should rest in a quiet, dark place for a few minutes, place a cold cloth on your forehead, and gently massage your forehead, temples, and lower neck area.
- Bathing with lukewarm water can help relax muscles and relieve headaches.
In conclusion, the decision to fast during pregnancy remains a personal decision and a shared responsibility between the mother and her treating physician. While many studies indicate that fasting may be safe for healthy pregnant women in some cases, the potential risks to the mother’s health and the development of the fetus cannot be overlooked, especially in cases where the mother suffers from certain health conditions or the pregnancy is in its early or final stages.
To ensure the safety of the mother and the fetus, you must always consult a specialist doctor before making the decision to fast, as Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provides comprehensive medical care for pregnant women, as it includes an elite group of doctors specializing in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, who can provide the necessary advice and guidance based on the individual health condition of each pregnant woman, and follow the growth and movement of the fetus to ensure that things go perfectly.
Frequently asked questions
Does fasting harm pregnant women in the first months?
It is not possible to definitively answer this question, but fasting in the first months is considered the most challenging and dangerous, for the following reasons:
- A critical stage of formation where all the main organs of the fetus are formed, such as the brain, heart, and spine.
- Most women suffer from annoying pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
However, some women who are in good health and do not suffer from strong pregnancy symptoms may be able to fast without problems, but this decision should be made only after consulting a doctor.
Does fasting affect a pregnant woman in the seventh month?
Fasting in the seventh month, which is part of the third trimester of pregnancy, has its own considerations that differ from the first months, and it may be more difficult and challenging than in the second trimester, for the following reasons:
- High energy and food needs as the fetus is at its peak in terms of weight gain and brain development.
- Increased risk of dehydration because the blood volume in your body increases by 40-50%, and you need more fluids to deal with this volume.
- Stressful physical symptoms resulting from increased fetal weight and difficulty moving and sleeping.
However, some pregnant women can fast in the seventh month under a basic condition, which is the approval of the doctor after the examination, if the mother’s health is completely stable and she does not suffer from any complications.
The fetus's growth was normal and consistent with pregnancy, and the mother did not suffer from anemia, gestational diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Does hunger during fasting affect the fetus?
The answer to this question depends on the mother’s health, the stage of pregnancy, and how fasting is managed. In general, hunger during fasting does not affect the healthy fetus in the healthy mother if fasting is limited and accompanied by proper nutrition during breakfast.
Because the mother's body is designed to protect the fetus when it is deprived of food, the body directs the nutrients first to the fetus, and she takes the rest.
But this is not absolute, and there are cases in which hunger can become a danger if the mother suffers from malnutrition in the first place, or if fasting leads to severe dehydration or is accompanied by a severe and continuous drop in blood sugar.
يمكنك التواصل معنا على ارقامنا المدونة على الموقع للمزيد من التفاصيل والحجز والاستفسار.
Sources
