Know the Risks and Benefits of Fasting for Pregnant Women Here

Many consider fasting during pregnancy can endanger the mother and baby in the womb. This assumption is not entirely true, because there are various benefits that can be obtained. By knowing the risks and benefits of fasting for pregnant women, pregnant women can decide to fast or not. When entering the holy month of Ramadan, some pregnant women want to continue fasting, even though this is actually not mandatory. Others choose not to fast because they are worried about the growth of the fetus in the womb.

Risk of Fasting During Pregnancy

Before breaking fast during pregnancy, make sure the pregnancy is in good health. If in doubt with the condition of pregnancy, you should consult with your doctor first. The doctor will examine the physical condition, medical history, and the possibility of health problems such as anemia or diabetes, as well as disorders in pregnancy. According to research, pregnant women who fast in the first trimester of pregnancy are more at risk of having a fetus with below normal weight. However, the risk will be reduced as long as the mother and fetus get enough nutrition. In addition to below normal weight, there are several other risks that may occur when pregnant women fast, including:

• The body feels weak
• Headache
• Gastric acid rises
• Dehydration
• Dizzy
• Passed out.

Despite having a number of risks, it does not mean pregnant women should not fast. Fasting during pregnancy is fine as long as the mother and fetus are in good health or have sufficient weight. To be safe when fasting during pregnancy, it is better to consult a doctor first. If you decide to fast during pregnancy, meet your daily nutritional needs by eating nutritious foods when breaking and dawn, so the pregnancy remains healthy.

Benefits of Fasting for Pregnant Women

The benefits of fasting for pregnant women are not much different from the benefits of fasting people in general. Some benefits that can be felt when fasting include:

• Avoid being overweight

Pregnant women often feel hungry faster, thus increasing the risk of experiencing excess weight gain. When fasting, eating can only be done in the afternoon and evening. That way, weight gain during pregnancy tends to be more controlled.

• Repair damage in the body

When fasting, the cells in the body will clean up the remnants of impurities and repair the body's damaged metabolic system.

• Reducing the risk of diabetes

Fasting can help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, which often trigger diabetes, including diabetes in pregnancy.

• Maintaining heart health

Fasting can help reduce the risk of a number of diseases, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and also heart disease.

After knowing the risks and benefits of fasting for pregnant women, you do not need to be confused anymore to decide whether to fast or not. The important thing is, you recognize your condition. Avoid forcing yourself if the condition of the body is not possible to fast. Do not let your health condition and the baby in the womb is disturbed. Consult your doctor first for the safety of fasting during pregnancy.