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Karwa Chauth is just around the corner; the air is filled with excitement, and the preparations are in full swing. The festival marks a special day for every married couple. The women deck up as a newly-wed bride and fast for their husbands’ long life. The festival is celebrated with much grandeur all across the nation, especially by women in the north. While it is enchanting to see women celebrate the love for their husbands and relationship, observing a fast while pregnant could be a matter of concern for an expecting mother. Continue reading our post to find out if it is safe for women to fast while pregnant and tips for healthy fasting.
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Is It Safe To Fast While Pregnant?
During Karwa Chauth, women observe a fast by skipping meals throughout the day. The fast is broken at night by observing the moon and performing the pooja. While one may be excited to participate in the rituals and observe a fast, a pregnant woman is usually advised not to.
The research is still unclear on how safe it is for a woman to fast during pregnancy. While some research shows that pregnant women who fast may give birth to babies with lower birth weight or have smaller placentas, other research indicates that fasting during pregnancy has little to no effect on the health of the mother and the baby (1).
But if you are in your second trimester, it is best not to fast as fasting between weeks 22 to 27 can prove to be particularly risky. Pregnant women are advised against fasting in the second trimester as it could lead to preterm births (2).
Pregnancy can be quite demanding on an expecting mother’s body. Pregnant women are required to stay healthy to give birth to a healthy baby. This can be achieved by taking care of one’s diet. It’s important to meet nutritional needs while pregnant by eating healthy meals and snacks to maintain blood sugar levels. Fasting during pregnancy may lead to insufficient calorie intake, which may also pave the way to exhaustion. Hence it is important to talk to your doctor before you observe a fast so that they can perform any health checks and make sure if it is safe for you to fast while pregnant. Several factors such as the stage of pregnancy, weight, overall health, any medical conditions, and the duration of the fast will be taken into consideration by your doctor.
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7 Helpful Tips For Every Expectant Mother Fasting During Karwa Chauth
Pregnant women are typically advised against observing a fast. But if your doctor has given you the go-ahead, here are seven tips that you would find to be helpful:
1. Avoid A Fast With No Food And Water
If your doctor has allowed you to fast, he/she would have instructed you not to follow one with complete avoidance of food and water. Be prepared to make some changes this year as you have to care for your baby’s health.
2. Have A Glass Of Milk With Sargi
While having your sargi in the early hours of the morning, make sure you take it with a huge glass of milk. This will give you the energy boost that you need to go about your day.
3. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Hydration is vital while observing a fast. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking tender coconut water as it is loaded with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.
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4. Fruits And Juices
You might not be having any proper meal till the end of the day until you break your fast, but don’t be too strict on your diet during pregnancy. Revitalize your energy by sipping on fresh fruit juices or a fruit bowl every few hours.
5. Get Enough Rest
It’s crucial that your body gets enough rest. So, rest for a while or take a nap if you feel tired or sleepy. It’s your body’s way of telling you that you need a break.
6. Don’t Overexert Yourself
Whether it is doing chores around the house or office work, remember to take it easy. If your work hours are too long and tiring, take the day off. Don’t overexert your mind and body, and avoid doing any strenuous activities.
7. Lookout For Signs
If you experience dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, or any change in your baby’s movements, contact your healthcare provider right away. In such situations, it is ideal to break the fast and have a proper meal. Similarly, if you’re dealing with any unpleasant pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn or nausea, fasting could make it worse since you might be used to snacking every few hours. So, talk to your doctor about it beforehand.
Lastly, don’t forget to keep calm and enjoy the festivities. Remember that you are on your way to becoming a mother, and the health of you and your baby should be your utmost priority. If being pregnant doesn’t allow you to observe a fast, you can still take part in the festival and express your devotion in other ways.
