Pregnant women are hesitant to fast during Ramadan because they are afraid that the nutrients the fetus gets in the womb are reduced and its development is disrupted? Come on, see the following safe fasting guide!
Actually, pregnant women are not required to fast in Ramadan because it can replace fasting at another time or in the form of alms. However, if pregnant women are fit or healthy, fasting during pregnancy is generally safe to do.
However, there are some things that pregnant women need to pay attention to so that fasting can run smoothly and the baby in the womb remains healthy.
Fasting Safety and Effect on Babies in the womb
Fasting during pregnancy is generally safe to do, but pregnant women are advised to consult a gynecologist before doing so. The reason is, if pregnant women suffer from certain health problems, such as anemia or gestational diabetes, pregnant women need to get approval from a doctor so that fasting is safe to do.
If the doctor gives the "green light", pregnant women can fast according to their recommendations. Generally fasting will not have a negative effect on the fetus as long as the needs of calories, nutrients, and fluids are fulfilled properly. Changes in the chemical balance in the blood during fasting generally also do not harm the fetus.
One study also showed that babies of mothers who fasted during pregnancy did not show any difference in their babies' APGAR scores after birth. This score is the result of tests run on newborns, which include checking the baby's skin color, muscle activity, reflexes, heart rate, and breathing.
However, other studies have shown that it is possible for babies to have a lower birth weight. It's just that the difference is very small, and not quite significant.
Pregnant women who have a normal weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle also don't need to worry, because generally fasting will only affect their health conditions a little. This is because pregnant women have reserves of nutrients that the baby needs in the womb.
Tips for Fasting During Pregnancy
The pregnant body needs energy during fasting, so does the baby in the womb. This is the reason fasting during pregnancy needs to be supported by a healthy weight and lifestyle, even before pregnancy.
So that pregnant women can fast comfortably and safely, there are guidelines that can be followed, namely:
1. Make a food agenda
To check the adequacy of nutrition, pregnant women are advised to make a food agenda by noting the menu and what foods are consumed every day. These notes can also help doctors, especially if you have gestational diabetes.
2. Sufficient fluid needs
Make sure the fluid needs of pregnant women are met properly, especially if the fasting month falls during the dry season. Pregnant women must consume at least 10 glasses of water or about 2.3 liters every day and can drink it at dawn and iftar to avoid dehydration.
3. Limit drinks bercaffeine
Actually, in fasting conditions or not, caffeine consumption during pregnancy should be stopped or reduced, which is no more than 200 mg or less than 2 cups of instant coffee a day. This is to prevent dehydration, indigestion, to high blood pressure.
4. Meet the intake of healthy nutrition
Make sure pregnant women's nutritional needs are met properly by eating nutritious healthy foods. Pregnant women should also increase their consumption of high-fiber foods such as whole grains, beans, nuts, vegetables, and fruit after breaking the fast to prevent constipation while fasting.
5. MempPay attention to the food you eat at iftar and sahur
In addition to ensuring that the food consumed is healthy food, pregnant women must also be more selective in choosing the food consumed during iftar and sahur.
When breaking the fast, consumption of foods and drinks that contain high sugar should be limited. Too high sugar can increase and decrease blood sugar levels quickly, thus making pregnant women tired quickly.
Pregnant women should consume water, juice without sugar, warm soup, or fruit when breaking the fast to restore energy. After that, then consume heavy nutritious food.
Meanwhile, for sahur, pregnant women can eat foods that contain complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and foods rich in fiber such as vegetables, because these foods can release energy slowly.
6. Get enough rest
Make sure pregnant women have adequate rest time. If pregnant women work, use the break at the office to take a short nap. Sleeping about 15-20 minutes can make the body feel more refreshed. So, communicate this well to your boss, especially if pregnant women need more time to rest.
7. Limiting activities
Pregnant women who fast tend to have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who don't. This makes pregnant women need to avoid situations that can cause stress, including work stress.
When pregnant women feel tired from work, take a break and take a deep breath. If pregnant women feel the work is too heavy, talk to your boss to get a solution.
8. Menghavoid strenuous exercise
Avoid strenuous exercise while fasting. In addition, pregnant women are advised to stay indoors when the weather is hot so they don't get thirsty quickly.
Conditions to watch out for when pregnant women are fasting
Even though the spirit of fasting is high, don't ignore the health condition of pregnant women, okay? Immediately cancel fasting and consult a doctor if pregnant women experience the following conditions:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Symptoms of dehydration, such as feeling very thirsty, weak, urinating less often, and urine becoming dark in color and having a sharp smell
- Fever, headache, irregular heartbeat, or stomach cramps
- Pain resembling contractions which can be a sign of preterm labor
If the above things happen, break your fast by drinking water containing sugar and salt or rehydration fluids. After that, immediately consult the pregnant woman's condition to the doctor.
For pregnant women who have a healthy weight and lifestyle, fasting is generally allowed. However, don't forget to follow the tips for safe fasting during pregnancy and still consult your obstetrician before deciding to fast. Remember, don't force yourself to fast if pregnant women's conditions don't allow it.
