Ramadan, Young of Esther, Yom Kippur… Depending on the religion, pregnant or breastfeeding women may be faced with the question of fasting. A practice which is not without risk in certain cases. Decryption with Dr Isabelle Héron, gynecologist.
Fasting while pregnant or breastfeeding, over several days or several hours, is not necessarily recommended for all women. For some future mothers who have health concerns (diabetes, chronic illness, etc.) or a high-risk pregnancy, strict deprivation of food and drink can cause deficiencies. What are the risks for mother and child? Can you fast while pregnant during Ramadan, Purim or Yom Kippur? What about intermittent fasting? Answers and advice from gynecologist Isabelle Héron.
Is it dangerous to fast during pregnancy?
“Apart from patients who have a chronic illness requiring a balanced diet, fasting presents no danger, neither for the mother nor for the baby. What would be dangerous is stopping food for several consecutive days and drinking for more than 12 hours“, explains the gynecologist.
On the other hand, for pregnant women who have gestational diabetes, insulin-dependent diabetes or insulin-induced type 2 diabetes, the response is much more reserved. “Fasting is especially complicated for diabetic women because they may be asked to monitor their blood sugar before and after each meal, sometimes up to four to six times a day, in order to achieve defined blood sugar goals. This will lead us to modify insulin regimens, which can have an impact on diabetes control., she continues. Generally, any pregnant woman who wishes to follow a fast, whether intermittent, therapeutic or religious, must always notify her obstetrician or gynecologist in advance to be sure that she does not have any contraindications to fasting, that she does not does not endanger or that she does not endanger her baby.
Can you fast while pregnant during Ramadan?
THE Ramadan fasting occupies an important place in Islam. From a medical point of view, “a patient who has no medical history or specific health problems can observe the Ramadan fast without risk. In other words, there cannot be any deficiencies caused by fasting in Ramadan. if the patient eats correctly at meal times, in the evening or early in the morning, explains the expert.
“On the other hand, in the event of high summer temperatures, it is strongly recommended to maintain sufficient fluid intake throughout the day“, comments Dr Isabelle Héron. In this case, it is essential for the pregnant woman to hydrate throughout the day and eat a balanced diet during the period of breaking the fast. It is also important to take a breakfast rich in slow sugars so as to last all day.
In the Muslim religion, “pregnant women who have a difficult or at-risk pregnancywho have just given birth, who are breastfeeding their child (up to two years)” are exempt from fastingindicates the Practical guide to the Grand Mosque of Paris. Also affected are sick people, those who travel, children before puberty, as well as women who have their periods during Ramadan.
Is the Esther or Yom Kippur fast allowed for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
In the Jewish religion, several traditional holidays revolve around a fast. This is the case when Purimwith the Esther’s fast which must be carried out for a whole day, the first day of the celebrations. According to the website of the Lubavitch rabbinate of France, pregnant women, who are in their third month of pregnancy, and women who have given birth within 24 months, are not affected by the fast of Esther. There is also the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which is characterized by a 25-hour fast, but there, a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding her baby is required to fast if the pregnancy is going well.
However, in certain cases, the Jewish religion allows future and young mothers to eat. Indeed, Women who have just given birth are not advised to fast for the first three days after birth.. Same thing for women who had a miscarriage three days before the fast. Those who are breastfeeding and whose baby is sick should also eat normally.
Advice : If you wish to fast during this day, eat starchy foods, fruits and vegetables, and hydrate yourself adequately during the days preceding the fast. However, if your doctor believes that fasting poses a danger to you and your baby, then you should refrain from fasting. Also, if you feel the need, it is also possible to drink and eat in smaller quantities this fasting day.
Is intermittent fasting recommended during pregnancy?
THE intermittent fasting consists of not eating for several hours to put the digestive system at rest and thus eliminate toxins accumulated in the liver and kidneys. Concretely, this means that we eliminate either breakfast or dinner in order to extend the normal fasting period which takes place during the night. “If fasting means stopping eating for several days then yes, it is dangerous. On the other hand, if it is only for a few hours, there is no risk for the mother or the baby“, reassures the medical gynecologist.
The disadvantage can be feeling tired in the morning if you skip breakfast or having disturbed sleep if you skip dinner. In any case, it is essential that the other two meals of the day are balanced to meet all vitamin and mineral needs.
Can you breastfeed during a fast?
“Breastfeeding is not contraindicated during fastingbut we know full well that if the patient does not hydrate sufficiently, she will not have adequate lactation. In other words, she will be tired, she will produce less milk and will not be able to breastfeed her child.“, warns the health professional. Hence the importance of continue to hydrate well and eat a varied and balanced diet when breaking the fast. Furthermore, the fact that the mother is fasting has no impact on the quality of her milk. It also remains nourishing and provides the baby with everything he needs. As for the rhythm of feedings, no change is expected, you must continue to respect your child’s needs.
Thanks to Isabelle Héron, gynecologist in Rouen.