Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar and is considered the holy month. In this entire month, prayers are offered extensively and charity is offered to the needy.
Marked by fasting, in this month, one eats before sunrise and breaks their fast after sunset. The idea behind this month-long fasting is to abstain from any kind of distractions and bad deeds and focus on one’s spiritual purification and self-discipline.
While it is compulsory to fast during Ramadan as one of the five pillars of Islam, pregnant women are not supposed to fast during this time.
So, If you are an expecting mother and thinking of fasting, think again! As your gynaecologist may not be of the same opinion.
Your healthcare practitioner may have a different guideline for you.
Why is Pregnancy Fasting Not Recommended During Ramadan?
Nutrition plays a vital role in the developing fetus during pregnancy. To go without food and water for long hours can pose a serious threat to the fetus, therefore fasting during pregnancy can have an adverse effect and you must weigh the pros and cons with your healthcare provider before stepping onto it. One can always be a part of this holy month by reciting Quran and praying and helping the needy as Ramadan is more about greater self-control, patience and empathy towards others.
The effects of Ramadan fasting in pregnancy are as follows:
- If you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy, and you’re in the month of Ramadan, willing to fast, that should be a big “No”. You can’t go without food and water for a very long time. You might feel low in energy, dehydrated, dizzy, and more prone to urinary tract infections.
- As a result of fasting during pregnancy, you’ll be without food for a long time, you’re not adding weight to your body, and that would turn out to be unhealthy for the little one inside you. Not having enough food or a nutritional diet may be linked with your weight loss. You might even have the risk of giving birth to a baby with a low birth weight.
- As per the experts, Ramadan fasting affects the breathing pattern of your baby inside your womb.
- If you already have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, fasting over 12 hours might increase potential health risks as it can affect your blood sugar levels.
- Moreover, fasting for long hours together can cause indigestion.
How To Fast Healthy While Pregnant During Ramadan?
Although earlier it has been mentioned that fasting during pregnancy may not be healthy, irrespective of all the pregnancy complications, if you still decide to fast, here are the ways:
- Try to go for light meals like soups and stews.
- Have a mix of fruits, veggies, fish, meat, and so on and so forth.
- Instead of choosing high-fat foods, opt for potatoes or chickpeas.
- Also, choose whole grains like pulses and dried fruits.
- If feel weak, tired, or dizzy, break your fast instantly.
- Take enough rest.
- Try not to feel stressed out.
- Be positive.
Listen to your doctor and try not to force your body into something, which you will not be able to bear.
Remember, there is always a next time if you miss out on your fasting this year while nurturing your baby inside you with good food, fluid, and exercise.
In the midst of fasting and Ramadan, don’t forget to opt for cord blood banking to safeguard your family’s health and your baby’s healthy future.
So, enjoy a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Next year we’re sure you will be able to enjoy Ramadan with your cuddly little one.