FASTING DURING PREGNANCY
Is it safe to fast during pregnancy? are there any risk for the mother’s and baby’s health? When does a pregnant mother need to stop her fast? Maybe these are some questions that are usually asked by pregnant mothers who would want to fast but is worried of the negative effects it will have on her baby.
Medically, pregnant mothers are allowed to fast if she feels healthy and have no health problem. In a healthy pregnancy, fasting cause no harm to the baby and mother. “Clinically, the mother is healthy when she does not experience any health problems during pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, severe cramps, high blood pressure, diabetes, digestive disorders and other sicknesses. If the mother experiences one or more of these symptoms, she should immediately stop her fast,” explained dr. Dahrial Daud. ObGyn, Siloam Hospitals Lippo Village.
A pregnant mother who chooses to fast will need to fulfill all the nutrients and calories that are essential for the development and growth of her baby. A balance nutrients and calories around 2500 calories per day includes protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, and drinking enough water to prevent dehydration. It should be obtained when you open your fast, in midnight and during sahur.
However, you will need to pay extra attention if you are pregnant in your first trimester (1-3 months pregnancy) because usually this is a very crucial stage where the mother often experience nausea, vomits and have no appetite, where as it is very important for the baby to get sufficient nutrients in term of quantity and quality. If you could hardly eat during pregnancy and experience hypoglycemia symptoms (low blood sugar) like shaking, feeling very weak, and have a fever then it is wise to reconsider fasting so your weak body condition will not be worsen by fasting. Trust the signs that your body gives you because insisting to fast will cause harm to the baby’s development and growth.
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