UNAIR NEWS “ Fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all Muslims, except those with the incapability of fasting. The question raised for women is whether it is safe to fast during pregnancy.
Though it is permissible for a pregnant woman not to fast, dr. Amir Fahad SpOG explained that it does not mean that they are strictly prohibited. œPregnant women are not prohibited from fasting, but if it burdens the pregnancy, which impacts on the fetus, they are allowed not to fast, he said.
According to the alumnus of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Specialist Program, (FK), (UNAIR), fasting is about shifting mealtimes. Usually, the meal pattern would be divided into breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
œFasting is about shifting mealtimes. Basically, everyone can fast with the same portion, same amount, with different schedules, dr. Amir said.
Fasting during pregnancy
dr. Amir said that pregnant women are allowed to fast as long as their nutritional needs and intake are met. Pregnant women need a complete intake of nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
œPregnant women can fast when the supply and demand are met, said the practitioner at UBAYA Hospital and Hermina Hospital.
If pregnant women suffer from comorbidities, like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or other diseases, it should be a concern. œAs long as they don™t have comorbidities, they may fast, dr. Amir said.
Dehydration alert
Dehydration may happen to people who fast, including pregnant women. Normally, a human needs a fluid intake of two liters within 24 hours, which equals eight glasses a day.
œDehydration may occur during fasting, therefore, the fluid intake must be met. Two liters of fluid don™t have to be consumed in one go, you can set the time, after iftar, after tarawih, before bed, and during suhoor, he said,
Pregnant women must be aware of the signs of dehydration, like feeling thirsty and peeing less often than usual with dark-colored urine.
œIf this condition of dehydration happens, you can break the fast. Especially if you™re feeling dizzy or lightheaded and you feel about to pass out, you shouldn™t force yourself, he said.
Exercising
There are no restrictions for pregnant women to exercise during fasting. However, he recommended reducing its intensity.
œYou can join prenatal exercise or yoga under the supervision of an obstetrician/gynecologist or a certified coach. You can do a morning walk with your husband. It™s healthy and improves partner bonding, dr. Amir said.
Suhoor and iftar menu
According to dr. Amir, no food is restricted for pregnant women during suhoor or iftar as long as they meet the nutritional intake well.
œExcessive carbs during iftar is not recommended. Instead, eat sweet snacks like dates or cake. Take some time for Maghrib prayer, then have dinner with a moderate portion, he concluded. (*)
Author: Icha Nur Imami Puspita
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
