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Autumn in India is synonymous with one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar — Navratri. This nine-day festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and is dedicated to goddess Durga, who fought a battle against a demon Mahishasura in all her nine avatars or incarnations. Indians across the country, particularly in the north, celebrate this festival with great joy and fervor. What is also significant about this festival is a nine-day fast that is observed. People fast during this period to rejuvenate and detox and as a form of devotion to goddess Durga.
While there are several benefits of fasting, it can get tricky when you are pregnant. In a world where pregnant women are asked to eat for two, fasting doesn’t precisely fit into the equation, so there is bound to be a lot of confusion about what is safe and what isn’t. Read on to find out what the experts have to say about fasting when pregnant:
Should You Be Fasting When Pregnant?
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Before you start contemplating whether or not you should fast this Navratri, you should first be aware of what the experts have to say. Medical health experts worldwide unanimously agree that fasting for long periods of time should be avoided during pregnancy. When you’re in the family way, you should be ideally consuming an extra three hundred calories, in addition to your regular food intake. When you begin to fast for too long, your body goes through a process known as ketosis, which may be harmful for the baby in your womb. Your baby is in a stage of development, and your body, too, is undergoing drastic changes — all of this is fueled by food. When you fast, your blood sugar levels tend to drop, and this, too, can put you and your baby at risk. A dry fast, one that restricts solids and liquids, is particularly harmful, as you are at risk of getting dehydrated. Getting dehydrated when pregnant may put you at risk for preterm birth, insufficient amniotic fluid, and cause congenital disabilities and low birth weight for your child (1), (2), (3).
Given all of these possibilities, it is recommended that you avoid fasting. Many women experience guilt for not being able to fast during religious occasions when pregnant, but here’s something to think about — no religion is cruel enough to subject their women to torture, more so when pregnant.
Having said all that, if you still want to stand firm by your decision to fast, you can do so after you have consulted your doctor. They may allow you to fast for short periods or do a partial fast that includes essential food items, if not a full spread.
Fasting Tips For Pregnant Women
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Although it is not recommended to hold a full-fledged fasting period, you can practice a semi-fast that may not be as harmful. The following measures must be taken if you are pregnant and considering a fast this Navratri:
- Consult Your Doctor
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You must consult your doctor before you decide to hold a fast, as this way, they will be able to guide you in case you have an underlying health condition. No two pregnancies are alike, so what applies to other women may not apply to you. Your doctor will be able to tell you what’s best for you and your baby.
- Make Sure You Keep Yourself Hydrated
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As we mentioned before, a dry fast is a strict “no”, as you cannot get dehydrated when pregnant. Dry fasts primarily include fasting from both solids and liquids. Drink enough water and other fluids throughout the day. You can also have infused or flavored water.
- Refrain From Long Periods Of Fasting
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Given how delicate you and your baby are at this point in time, it is best to refrain from long periods of fasting. In case you choose to fast for a few hours, then make sure you eat a few energy-rich foods and hydrate yourself before you commence your fast, as well as after your fast has ended.
- Don’t Exert Yourself
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When you fast, it is best to keep yourself well-rested and refrain from excessive physical activity. This way, you won’t use up the little energy that you do have in store.
- Watch Out For Side Effects
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You may feel weak and tired when fasting, which is a common side effect. However, if you experience other worrying symptoms such as dizziness, muscle aches, and irregular heartbeats, immediately put an end to your fast. It is also advisable to call your doctor (4).
- Don’t Skip Your Medications
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If you have been prescribed medication for your health, do not skip them. It is also recommended not to fast if you are taking medications, as most medicines require adequate food intake. Also, do not skip your prenatal vitamins and supplements when fasting.
It is essential to know that when pregnant, you are required to take care of not just yourself but your baby as well. Keep all of the above in mind when fasting, and always keep your doctor in the loop. We hope you have a fun-filled nine days of celebration, with good health and happiness! What do you think about fasting when pregnant? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
