Tips for fasting during pregnancy

Fast if you are healthy, fast if your body can deal with it, and most importantly fast only if your doctor gives you a resounding ‘yes’, writes Dr Rita Bakshi

Navratris are here and one of the most important customs during this period is fasting. However, the concept of fasting for pregnant women is debatable and many healthcare providers raise an eyebrow when asked about it. In case your pregnancy is normal and there are no complications, fasting may not really have a negative impact on you, but in case there are any complications, it is extremely important to consult your doctor and follow their advice to the tee.

Women in their first or third trimester should avoid fasting, but in case you feel healthy and strong, you may consult your doctor in this regard. The rules of fasting during Navratris are not so hard and fast and allow for consumption of healthy food at appropriate intervals. Hence, it may work for most women even in their pregnancy. However, it is important that they remember not to go hungry for long intervals as the baby is completely dependent on them for nutrition.

It is not advisable to fast during pregnancy, however, if you really want to fast, it is important to keep these tips in mind and adhere to them strictly.

• Drink up plenty of water. The baby depends completely on you for all nutrition needs. ‘Water fast’ at this stage can cause major harm to you and the baby by dehydrating you.
•  Do not fast without consulting your doctor. While some pregnancies might be easier, there are others where even a little stress may cause complications. It is a good idea to refrain from fasting in the first and third trimester, but to fast in second trimester too, consult your doctor and do it only if they give a green signal.
• Choose healthier food options and refrain from starving. At regular intervals, eat fruits or other nutrient rich foods that are allowed in the fast. Starving yourself or going hungry for longer hours may lead to weakness, anaemia, fatigue, acidity, and headaches, which can further interfere with the well-being of the unborn child.
• Fasts during Navratris sometimes turn into feasts where people eat a lot of oily and deep fried food. If you are pregnant, refrain from doing this. Choose healthy options like milk, fresh fruits, and dried fruits and nuts that would keep you full and nourished without causing acidity or other digestion problems.
• Salt is essential. There are people who go for no-salt fasts, but for pregnant women, cutting salt out completely might lead to weakness. Consume rock salt or sendha salt to avoid ill-effects on you or your baby’s health.
• Take proper rest. It is easy to get carried away with the festivities of the season. Recognise the signs of exhaustion and do not ignore them at any cost. Take rest, as getting adequate sleep is a must, especially if you are fasting during pregnancy.

While it is important to include yourself in the festivities of the season and not isolate yourself just because you are pregnant, it is important that it is done the right way. Fast if you are healthy, fast if your body can deal with it, and most importantly fast only if your doctor gives you a resounding ‘yes’.

The writer is the Chairperson of the International Fertility Centre