Fasting During Pregnancy: Health Benefits and Considerations for Expecting Mothers
Fasting during pregnancy is a topic of growing interest, particularly among Muslim women observing Ramadan. In Pakistan, many expecting mothers choose to fast as part of their religious practice, while some may also consider intermittent fasting for potential health benefits. However, the impact of fasting on maternal and fetal health remains an essential area of discussion. This article provides an evidence-based approach to understanding the potential benefits of fasting during pregnancy while ensuring it does not compromise maternal or fetal well-being. Fasting in Pregnant Women: Prevalence in Pakistan Fasting is a common religious observance among pregnant women in Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan. Recent studies indicate that: Approximately 87.5% of pregnant women in Pakistan observe fasting during pregnancy. Among them, 42.5% fast for the entire month of Ramadan, while others adopt partial fasting based on their health status. Resea...