Risks of Fasting During Pregnancy

There aren't many instances in which there are absolute contraindications to fasting. Pregnancy is however one of those instances.

Healthy fetal development requires proper nutrition and vitamin intake. Both women who are already pregnant or are at risk of becoming pregnant should avoid the fasting process until after delivery.

The reasons are many but in simple terms, when a baby is developing in womb, the two bodies (the fetus and the mother) are intertwined in such a way that all needed substances will be delivered to the baby first. The mother is second in line when digesting and assimilating nutrients. That's everything - protein, calcium for bone development, even blood sugar, which is part of the reason why gestational diabetes develops (certain gestational hormones are thought to interfere with insulin). A fast may disrupt the normal anabolic process during pregnancy and could increase the risk of spontaneous abortion.

Instead of focusing on fasting, the pregnant woman should turn her attention to other parts of our triangle. Start by focusing on nutrition - getting adequate amounts of folic acid to prevent spina bifida by increasing dietary sources of green leafy vegetables, peanuts, peas, oranges, and fortified cereals. Folic acid supplements are readily available over the counter for those with dietary restrictions. Then, focus on exercise, such as yoga for the lumbar spine, to help prevent pregnancy related back pain and sciatica.

Women interested in breast feeding must also discuss their interest in fasting with their health care provider. Breast feeding has a direct impact on the nursing baby’s nutritional status and fasting increases the likelihood that your growing child may be exposed to nutritional deficiencies.

Once you are done breast feeding, should you feel you have some extra pregnancy induced weight to lose (which is normal and to be celebrated, not dreaded), you may enter the perfect time to engage in fasting to re-balance your health.