SHARES
“My last pregnancy went well with fasting during Ramadan. In fact, I actually gained more weight than I should. However, this time my doctor is advising against fasting because I have diabetes-related to my pregnancy. But, I wish to do this together with my family. I don’t want to be alone.” Aina, 26, is happily expecting her second baby.
Generally, fasting is not proven to be harmful to the growing foetus and the mother during pregnancy. Having said so, every pregnant woman experiences fasting differently. Therefore, it is important for you to talk to your doctor and get a health check first.
Get Clearance from your Doctor before you Start Fasting
Your doctor will check that you are free from common health issues such as high blood sugar and high blood pressure before you start fasting.
During early pregnancy, some women may suffer from moderate to severe morning sickness with constant vomiting, resulting in fluid loss. So under such conditions, it is advisable NOT to fast otherwise the risk is severe dehydration.
Health issues like low weight gain (foetus and mother) and diabetes during pregnancy may become harder to manage as you fast. In this sense, always discuss with your doctor on what is best for your body and foetus, be it full fasting, intermittent fasting or exemption.
Photo by Rasa Pars Shayan from Flickr
Fasting Tips When Pregnant During Ramadan
Good nutrition is important for the healthy growth of your foetus. Eating your meals right during Ramadan not only allows you to carry out your spiritual duty but can also benefit your pregnancy.
1. Drink Plenty of Water and Eat Hydrating Food Between iftar and suhoor
Eat foods rich in water content such as vegetables and fruits during your iftar meal. For example, cucumber, tomatoes, and even a sweet watermelon treat after a meal. A balanced diet should include at least two to three servings of fresh fruits every day.
Make sure to hydrate yourself by drinking enough before and after iftar. Drink between eight to twelve cups of water daily. Avoid drinking coffee and tea as the caffeine content can make you urinate more often, leading to dehydration. Also, avoid sweating too much under the hot sun to prevent excessive water loss.
2. Eat Your suhoor Meal Well
A well-balanced breakfast is especially important for pregnant women during Ramadan. Make sure you include good carbohydrates, that can release sugar slowly for the day. For instance, carbohydrate food with a low glycaemic index such as wholemeal bread, oats, sweet potatoes and multigrain products.
Also, the rich fibre content in these carbohydrates and fruits (fresh or dried) can help slow down sugar release from food over a long period of time. In addition, fibre can also prevent constipation especially during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Likewise, adding protein-rich food like eggs, tempeh, soya beans and milk can prolong sugar absorption from your gut for more sustainable energy level throughout the day. These proteins also help your foetus grow!
3. Avoid Processed Food and Food High in Fat, Salt, and Sugar
It is normal to crave for sweet, salty and fatty food when we are hungry. These food are very high in calories. If our activity levels are lower than our calorie intake, we gain weight easily, putting us at risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Hence, grill, stir-fry, and steam your food instead of frying them. Cut down your intake of pastries that are added with butter and margarine.
Avoid taking too much-processed food (eg. sausages, snacks, margarine, salted fish and processed meat), ketchup, and food flavouring with high salt content.
Similarly, watch what you drink! Limit your intake of sugary syrup. Satisfy your sweet tooth with water-containing fruits such as watermelon and peach.
4. Eat Slowly
We can easily overeat when hungry. In such instances, overeating results in consuming too many calories, putting us at risk of being overweight or obese. Also, we can get indigestion and heartburn especially during the third trimester of pregnancy. Hence, take our meal slowly and enjoy the time with family.
5. Keep Up Your Activity Level
Take a small walk every day after meal. Stay active in the evening to help improve digestion and absorption of food. You will benefit greatly both in physical and mental health!
Photo by pinkpotatochips from Flickr
Conclusion
Fasting affects every pregnant woman differently. It is generally safe and healthy for a pregnant woman to fast. Make sure to sit down and talk with your doctor to understand and get the best out of your pregnancy and spiritual needs. Eat well, enjoy your beautiful pregnancy and happy fasting! 
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References:
1. Dietary recommendations for the month of Ramadan [Internet]. WHO. 2010. (Available from http://www.emro.who.int/nutrition/nutrition-infocus/dietary-recommendations-for-the-month-of-ramadan.html; last updated on 2020; last accessed on 2020 Apr 2)
2. Glazier JD, Hayes DLJ, Hussain S, et al. The effect of Ramadan fasting during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2018;18:421. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-2048-y
by Chang Xian
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