Is it safe for pregnant women to fast during Navratri?

Navratri 2018: Pregnant women with diabetes, anaemia or high blood pressure should avoid fasting as it may lead to complications.

By Dr Rinku Sengupta

With Navratri upon us, some pregnant women may wish to fast because of their religious or personal beliefs. We usually discourage fasting during pregnancy but if you’re keen on keeping fasts, you should check with your doctor. If you feel dizzy or experience gastric problems like acidity while fasting, you should consider breaking your fast.

So, is it safe to fast during pregnancy? There is no conclusive answer. Pregnant women with diabetes, anaemia or high blood pressure should avoid fasting as it may lead to complications. Since you would only be consuming non-cereal foods, fruits, vegetables, milk and juices, you may miss out on important nutrients required by you and your baby.

This selective consumption can lead to dehydration especially for pregnant women with severe nausea or vomiting which can be detrimental to health. Fasting can also disturb your sugar levels. It may increase stress levels and put your body under unnecessary strain.

When should you stop fasting during pregnancy?

You should stop fasting during pregnancy if you experience any of these signs:

Gastric problems like acidity.

Severe headaches

Dizzy spells

Fainting

Fatigue

Consult your care provider if you experience these symptoms. They may suggest that you break your fast if your health or your baby’s health is deteriorating because of it.

What should pregnant women keep in mind while fasting this Navratri?

Remember that your health and your baby’s wellbeing come first. Proceed with fasting only after consulting your doctor about it. Most women either eat too much or too little while fasting. It is important to have timely and well-balanced meals during pregnancy. Besides this, here are a few things that you should keep in mind while fasting:

Ensure timely and well-spaced meals

Many pregnant women may feel too lazy or tired to prepare fast-appropriate meals which can either lead to them overeating, skipping meals or even both. Irregularity in mealtimes or portions could lead to an increase in gastric problems. If you wish to avoid any complications, the simple solution is to have well-balanced meals at the right time.

Also Read: Can new mothers fast during Navratri, if they are breastfeeding?

Keep yourself hydrated

Sip fluids every hour. Ditch caffeinated drinks and opt or healthier options like fresh fruit juices, buttermilk and lemonade.

Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables

It may be tempting to munch on Navratri chips and potato snacks especially when other food items are restricted.

Instead of consuming carbs in the form of potatoes, add different types of fruits and vegetables to your plate. This adds necessary nutrients in your diet.

Ultimately, whether to fast or not is something pregnant women must decide on their own.

(The writer is Consultant Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital.)

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