Contents:
- Medical Video: Bad Habits That Pregnant Women Should Avoid
- Pregnant women need nutrition early in pregnancy
- Before fasting during pregnancy, consult a gynecologist first
- Tips for safe fasting during the first trimester of pregnancy
Medical Video: Bad Habits That Pregnant Women Should Avoid
Fasting during pregnancy is usually okay. But what about the beginning of pregnancy or if the condition of pregnancy is still in the first trimester?
According to research conducted by Colombia University based on censuses in the US, Iraq and Uganda, it was found that pregnant women who fasted tend to have smaller babies or be born under normal weight. These small babies also tend to be vulnerable to learning difficulties when they are big. So, is fasting during the first trimester of pregnancy recommended from the medical side? This is the answer.
Pregnant women need nutrition early in pregnancy
Columbia University researchers found that babies born under normal weight were most noticeable when pregnant women fasted at the beginning of their pregnancy and they fasted during the summer when the day was longer. That means fasting lasts longer in the summer. This is very dangerous to the health of the fetus.
How about in Indonesia? Even though it doesn't have a summer and fasting time is shorter than the Middle Eastern country, is fasting during the first trimester safe to do?
In the first trimester of pregnancy (1-13 weeks), pregnant women generally still face a series of pregnancy complaints that naturally occur in the first few months. Among them are nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, and the body of pregnant women still adapting to the hormonal changes that are taking place.
Excessive nausea and vomiting in the early trimester can cause dehydration in pregnant women. Whereas in the fetus can cause a lack of nutrients that enter. Even though adequate nutrition is needed by the fetus at the beginning of the formation, growth and refinement of organs.
Actually there are no special restrictions for fasting in pregnant women, even though in fact pregnant women are not obliged to fast and may replace it if they feel unable or worried about something happening to their baby (you can ask someone who is more expert in religion).
Before fasting during pregnancy, consult a gynecologist first
But, of course this situation varies for each pregnant woman, this needs to be confirmed based on the results of the examination. Preferably before deciding to fast, you should first check with your obstetrician about your condition and the fetus and ask if you can fast?
Some sources state that the fasting is safest at the age of 4-7 months. Less than 4 months it is feared that miscarriages are still prone, whereas for more than 7 months you usually often feel tired and need more food intake.
Lack of fluids or dehydration can cause contractions, therefore if a pregnant woman fasts then a contraction or other complaint occurs, you should consider immediately stopping fasting and going to the doctor to seek help.
In conclusion, check your womb to the obstetrician, and ask the obstetrician whether you are allowed to fast or not. Obstetricians will provide advice according to the circumstances of pregnant women and fetuses. If you are allowed to fast, pay attention to nutritional intake so that you stay healthy and the fetus can develop properly.
Tips for safe fasting during the first trimester of pregnancy
- Pay attention to the adequacy of nutrients consumed. Although fasting nutritional intake for pregnant women should get is 50% carbohydrate, 25% protein, 10-15% healthy fat, do not forget the intake of vitamins and minerals.
- Pay attention to your weight gain before and when you are fasting. Decreasing body weight is likely to increase the risk of the fetus. Maintain weight and consult a doctor on schedule.
- Check your pregnancy to find out your fetus can adapt to nutritional intake in the fasting month. As long as you fast does not mean your fetus is fasting, intake throughout the day is very important you pay attention at the time of dawn and breaking.
- The right choice of menu when breaking the fast or sahur so that it is useful for fetal development such as dates, spinach, salmon, broccoli, kale, and chicken.
- Manage your rest well so it does not cause stress and disrupt your health.
- Do not continue fasting if your condition shows unfavorable conditions such as nausea, dizziness, excessive weakness and others.
