Nutritional Tips for Pregnant Woman during Ramadan

A British study conducted with Indonesian research centers in 2009 showed that fasting does not affect the weight of your fetus, if the pregnant woman follows the necessary nutritional tips, along with the consultation of her doctor of course! Noting that a pregnant woman has different nutrition needs for her fetus to grow safely.

However, it is up to you whether you want to fast on Ramadan while you’re pregnant, and if you do, please consult your doctor before. If you have some symptoms; such as hypotension, feeling cold limbs, nausea, inability to make any effort, or feeling back and stomach pain, it is recommended not to fast during Ramadan.

It doesn’t matter what decision you make, because in the end is the baby’s safety and yours that matters the most here, knowing that pregnancy is a very critical and delicate period because your diet might affect your baby later on. Therefore, if you are pregnant during Ramadan, here are some nutritional tips you should consider during Ramadan, especially that your body needs additional nutrients for your baby to grow healthy.

Fruits and vegetables: Make sure to eat plenty of them because they’re rich with vitamins and other nutrients that your fetus needs.

Proteins: It is also important to get enough of protein in your diet, such as meat, chicken, fish or eggs, but avoid processed or canned meat like tuna or sardines…

Liquids: You should provide your body with a lot of liquids, like water. Soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee and even some traditional Ramadan drinks are to be AVOIDED!

Avoid desserts: It may be difficult to resist dessert dishes in Ramadan, but for the sake of your fetus’ health, limit them because they make your baby gain useless calories that won’t contribute to his growth.

Avoid spices: It is best to avoid dishes that contain hot spices and other kinds of spices like peppermint, nutmeg, fenugreek… as they might cause digestive problems or cause unwanted contractions.