Can you Fast during Pregnancy?

Fasting during pregnancy is a delicate balance. Some research has shown that abstaining from eating for any length of time when you’re expecting can cause the production of ketone bodies, molecules produced by the liver during periods of low food intake that may have a negative impact on the fetus.

Before considering whether or not it’s safe for you and your baby-to-be if you fast. It may depend on certain factors:

1. Trimester the best time is between 14 and 28 weeks
2. Any underlying medical conditions you and your baby might have.

Staying hydrated is key. Water plays an important role in the development of your baby-to-be, so at no point should you stop drinking water.

Dehydration can lead to low amniotic fluid, preterm labor and birth defects. If you and your doctor decide that fasting is safe for a short period of time, make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and avoid any strenuous activity that may cause a loss of fluids.

Eat at least two meals the second should have a lot of proteins also eating fruit high in potassium like bananas help to decrease dehydration

By Dr. Samer Cheaib

Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecology