How does fasting affect the pregnant woman and the fetus?
If you are a pregnant lady, you must be asking a series of questions as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. And most importantly: Will you be able to fast this month? Is Ramadan fasting will not pose a threat to your health or the health of your fetus? And what is the effect of fasting on the pregnant woman?
Many questions occupy the thinking of pregnant women with the approaching month of Ramadan, especially do you fast during pregnancy? Does this not harm her health or the development of her fetus? And the effect of fasting on a pregnant woman is dangerous or is it normal? And is it legal if the effect of fasting on the pregnant woman is prohibited?
Fasting and pregnancy
It should not be forgotten that the ability to fast differs from one woman to another. Just as the state of health and the opinion of the specialist are the decisive factor in allowing or prohibiting fasting for a pregnant woman. In the following article, we will try to reveal a set of aspects related to the effect of fasting on the pregnant woman.
When is it permissible for a pregnant woman to fast Ramadan?
The ability to fast during pregnancy depends on several factors, the most important of which are: The good health of the woman before pregnancy. Also, the absence of any health problems during pregnancy such as anemia, bleeding, gestational diabetes, calcium deficiency, or some other diseases, as well as the number of hours a pregnant woman should fast, so fasting during the summer month is more difficult compared to the winter season. Because of the high temperature and the long period of fasting. The stage of pregnancy that coincided with the month of Ramadan must also be determined, because the first and last three months of pregnancy make Ramadan fasting difficult.
How can fasting be made easier during pregnancy?
Madam, try to maintain your calm and avoid fatigue and exhaustion, as the changes accompanying the month of Ramadan, such as changing the pattern and hours of eating and the lack of drinking water throughout the day, can cause you stress. Some studies indicated that pregnant women who fasted during Ramadan have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood compared to women who did not fast. So, to relieve stress and make fasting easier for you, we recommend the following:
1- Keep cool and avoid overheating, as this may lead to dehydration.
2- Try not to walk long distances or carry anything heavy while reducing housework and any extra effort.
3- Choose a variety of healthy foods and drink plenty of water for Iftar and Suhoor meals. It is also recommended to eat a healthy snack before bed as well, making sure to wake up and not miss Suhoor because it is the meal that will give you the energy to fast the next day.
4- Choose foods that release energy slowly. Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and high-fiber foods such as legumes, vegetables and dried fruits will help you maintain your energy and protect you from constipation.
5- Avoid sugary foods that raise blood sugar levels and burn quickly, which can make you feel faint or dizzy.
6- Avoid high-fat foods and make sure you get plenty of protein from beans, nuts, cooked meat and eggs, as this helps the fetus develop well.
7- Try to drink about 2 to 3 liters of water between Maghrib and Fajr Azan, and avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee. Caffeine will make you lose more water, so you may become more prone to dehydration, especially if the weather is hot.
What are the danger signs in pregnant fasting?
You did not gain weight during pregnancy or started to lose some of your current weight, so try to weigh yourself regularly at home while fasting to check this indicator.
Excessive thirst, little urination, or if the urine becomes dark in color and smells strong, this is one of the signs of dehydration that increases the likelihood of urinary tract infections or other complications.
You have a headache in Ramadan, fever, nausea or vomiting.
You should see a doctor right away if:
If there is a noticeable change in your baby's movements such as lack of movement and kicking.
If you notice labour-like pains, this could be a sign of preterm labour
Feeling dizzy or dizzy even after taking enough rest, it is recommended to end the fast immediately and seek medical help.
What are the potential risks of fasting during pregnancy?
Most studies indicate that there is no harm in becoming pregnant while fasting, if the mother's condition permits. But some research suggests that fasting during pregnancy may have some effect on a child's intelligence or academic ability, with the potential for health problems later in life.
Fasting during pregnancy may lead to low birth weight, especially if the fasting is in the first three months of pregnancy (ie the first three months).
There is some concern about the effect of fasting on fetal development in the womb and the possibility of preterm birth.
Drought occurs, especially if Ramadan coincides with summer.
Benefits of fasting for pregnant women?
In the case of your good health, with the permission of your doctor who specializes in fasting, tell my lady that in addition to the religious reward, fasting gives you a range of health benefits to improve your psychological state and mood which changes due to hormones. It can also help you regulate the work of the digestive system, improve its functional efficiency, and avoid the usual problems of pregnancy, especially heartburn.
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Pregnant fasting is a matter that often requires discussion, so we provide you with a comprehensive guide about the effect of fasting on you and your fetus, the symptoms that you should consult a doctor if you have, and some tips that help. Enhances your pregnancy during the holy month of Ramadan.
The effect of fasting on the pregnant woman
For a healthy woman who enjoys adequate nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, Ramadan fasting does not affect the weight, height, head circumference of the fetus and the time of delivery.
However, it may negatively affect women who are not medically permitted to fast, such as those with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Therefore, if your doctor does not allow you to fast during the month of Ramadan, stick to his advice, otherwise your fetus may suffer from some health complications, as stated in one of the studies, which may be the following:
Low fetal weight: Lack of nutrition associated with fasting during pregnancy can affect the development of the fetus, and some long-term health effects may occur, such as kidney problems, but type 2 diabetes, which may lead to coronary heart disease.
Cognitive impairment: Dietary restrictions during fasting can raise cortisol levels, which in the long term may lead to cognitive impairment and learning difficulties in your child.
Warning signs of fasting during pregnancy
You should end your fast, and consult a doctor if you feel the following symptoms:
Not gaining or losing weight.
Decreased urination, or dark urine.
Constipation, indigestion, headache, lethargy, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Decreased fetal movements, or feeling contractions.
Health tips for pregnant women in Ramadan
The nutritionist during pregnancy plays an important role in maintaining the health of your fetus, and its health, so you must follow these tips, or that may contribute to preventing pregnancy complications. Include the following:
Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea and soft drinks that cause diuresis that leads to dehydration.
Make sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet, by getting all the nutrients during the iftar period.
Drink enough water, eight to twelve glasses a day, to avoid the risk of dehydration.
Start your breakfast with a glass of milk and some dates.
Have a healthy snack before bed, an hour after Tarawih prayers.
Eat adequate amounts of starchy foods, and stay away from foods rich in saturated fats.
Eat foods rich in protein such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and cheese.
Don't miss a pre-dawn meal to get all the nutrients.
Avoid excessive use of spices and salt when cooking.
Avoid fatty foods, to avoid heartburn and weight gain.
Eat two or three servings of fresh fruit daily.
Do some non-strenuous physical activity for half an hour every day.
When is it permissible for a pregnant woman to fast?
Depending on the ability of the pregnant woman to fast, although many, after consulting the specialist doctor, will rule out any risks that the fetus may be exposed to after fasting, is it safe and ensure that there are no health or medical barriers, or any dangerous symptoms.
When does a pregnant woman not fast?
Islamic law allows pregnant and breastfeeding women to break their fast if there is harm to them and their children.
Among the medical conditions that require a pregnant woman to break the fast:
Pregnancy diabetes.
Severe vomiting, especially during the first pregnancy, triggered by a fear of losing a large amount of fluid, which can lead to dehydration.
Uncontrolled blood pressure.
Pregnant women suffer from preterm labor pains and take medications to prevent preterm labour.
Having a chronic disease that requires taking a specific medication.
Tips and disadvantages of fasting
Eat a healthy, balanced and comprehensive meal.
Hurry up to breakfast and start with a glass of water or skim milk with three small dates or any other fruit.
Iftar begins with a cup of soup to prepare the stomach and alert it to receive food.
Take necessary nutritional supplements.
Drink more than 2-3 liters of fluid per day
Eat several small meals from after breakfast until the time of the pre-dawn meal.
Avoid drinking caffeinated liquids, such as coffee and soft drinks.
Stay away from sweetened drinks and sweets and replace them with foods rich in fiber such as fruits and vegetables.
Do not eat salty foods and pickles.
Fava frying pans and fatty foods from the suhoor meal.