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India is a country that is rich in culture and traditions. We lavishly celebrate festivals and do not hesitate to make them colorful with decorations and food. The festival season is around the corner, and we cannot wait to put on our celebration hats and sparkle up our lives. The year 2020 has been tough for people worldwide, so we cannot help but be excited to break out of the unpleasant rut and light up the festive season with much grandeur.
Every year Durga Puja is celebrated during Navratri for nine nights and ten days. During this time, Goddess Durga is worshipped, and devotees observe fasting as a way to revere and pay homage to the Hindu Goddess. While fasting is generally good for your body, the rules change when it comes to pregnancy. Women who are pregnant might be super excited to celebrate the festival, but you have to keep certain essential things in mind to ensure that you and your baby are safe while celebrating the festival. Here are a few tips for you to follow during the festival of Durga Puja:
1. Is It Safe To Fast During Pregnancy?
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It is advisable to refrain from fasting during pregnancy. You have a life growing inside you which needs nourishment. Avoid fasting, especially during the critical period of 22 to 27 weeks of pregnancy, which may pose a high risk. Fasting during the second trimester of pregnancy may lead to preterm birth (1). If you’re planning to fast, seek professional advice before you do so. Always keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of juices and water.
2. What Foods Can You Eat During Pregnancy?
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Making healthy food choices is essential when you’re pregnant because the food you consume nourishes yourself and your baby growing in your womb. If you don’t want to eat regular heavy meals during the festival of Durga Puja, you can opt to eat fruits that will give you the nutrition you require. Apricots, oranges, mangoes, pomegranate, and avocados provide good sources of energy and nutrition. However, consult your doctor to know what works best for you and your baby. Dry fruits also give you an instant boost of energy and are a healthy snack.
3. How Much Is Too Much?
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Because you are avoiding eating your regular meals, you might think it’s a good idea to gorge on fruits. However, it might not necessarily be healthy for you or your baby. A combination of fruits, dry fruits, and juices should serve you well and give you the energy you need during pregnancy. When you’re consuming fruits, ensure that you wash them properly and cut off the bruised area as it could contain more bacteria.
4. Listen To Your Body
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As much as you want to safeguard your traditions during the festive season, take utmost care of yourself and your baby. Therefore, consult your doctor and let them know that you’re planning to fast. They know what’s best for the health of your baby. However, even if your doctor says that you can regulate your food consumption, if you start to feel weak, break your fast and eat food to boost your energy. Because everybody is different, and there is no one size fits all when it comes to pregnancy.
5. Do Not Strain Yourself
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It’s inevitable that the workload increases during the festive season. But make sure you do not strain yourself too much. Get adequate sleep, food, nutrition, hydration, and rest. Nothing is more important than your health and the health of your child when you’re pregnant.
The festive season is an important one, but during pregnancy, the most crucial aspect of your life is that you have a little human growing inside you. Festivals can be celebrated year after year, even after the birth of a healthy baby. Therefore, during pregnancy, ensure that you take good care of yourself and your baby. Always consult a medical professional before making decisions related to fasting, diets, or rest to guarantee you and your baby’s health and safety.
