We’re halfway through Ramadan. It’s only a couple of weeks after which we’ll celebrate Eid El Fitr. If you’re pregnant and you’ve decided to fast for the past couple of weeks, here you are some tips that will help you get the best nutrition and the best diet when you fast.  

What Are the Best Options to Eat from Dusk to Dawn?

Include plenty of fluids at Suhoor and Iftar. Eat a healthy snack at bedtime. Never skip your pre-dawn meal. Here are few options to include in your diet:

Eat foods that release energy slowly such as carbohydrates (ex: wholegrain and seeds), high-fiber foods (Pulses, vegetables, and dried fruits). This will help you sustain and prevent symptoms like constipation.

Include plenty of proteins in your diet. Examples of proteins are, beans, nuts, and well-cooked meat, poultry, well-cooked fish, and eggs. This is good for you both.

Have a 1.5 – 2 liters water bottle handy, which will encourage you to drink plenty of water between dusk and dawn.

Dairy products. Aim for 3 cups a day. Have skim milk with Iftar. Add low-fat cheese to your salad. Eat yogurt at Suhoor.

Foods to Avoid

Raw eggs – they’re added to some recipes like Caesar salad and soft scrambled eggs.

Sushi – as it’s not well cooked so it may contain parasites.

Unpasteurized juice – the majority of juices and milk sold in stores are pasteurized, yet you still need to read the labels.

Some types of fish – some varieties like swordfish, shark, and tilefish and all species that live longer so they accumulate more mercury in their flesh. Your body stores mercury for up to 4 years, so it’s advised to avoid them at all in the childbearing years.

caffeine like tea and coffee - Caffeine has been considered a diuretic by experts for years. This means that you’re more likely to become dehydrated.

Sugary foods - If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll need to get a grip during pregnancy, especially if you're fasting in Ramadan. your blood sugar may drop suddenly causing you to faint or feel dizzy.

Warning Signs You Should Consider

Contact your doctor right away if:

• Your losing weight. Weigh yourself on a regular basis to keep track.
• You’re very thirsty, weeing less frequently, or the urine is dark and strong smelling. These are signs of dehydration
• You have headaches, pain, or a fever
• You have nausea and vomiting
• You notice a remarkable change in your baby’s movement.
• You feel contractions that cause pain.
• You’re dizzy and tired no matter how long you rest.

If it’s necessary to break your fast, drink water containing sugar and salt.

How about you, what's your favorite recipe on Iftar or Suhoor?
 

Resources:

Baby Center UK - Fasting in pregnancy.

Parents magazine - A Food Guide for Pregnant Women

Myoclinic.com - Pregnancy nutrition: Healthy-eating basics