12 Hours Without Eating While Pregnant: Is Fasting Safe During Pregnancy?

How Long Can I Safely Go Without Eating During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can make you feel like you’re hungry all the time, but it’s totally normal to go a little while without eating. As long as you’re getting all your nutrients and staying hydrated, you should be good to go for 4-6 hours between meals.

While occasionally not consuming meals or shorter periods without eating may be safe, it’s generally recommended not to go longer than 12 hours without consuming any food. Prolonged periods without eating can lead to low blood sugar levels, dehydration, and an inadequate intake of essential nutrients.

How Does 12 Hours Without Eating While Pregnant Affect Your Body

During pregnancy, the body requires more nutrients and energy to support the growth and development of the fetus. Hence, fasting or not eating for extended periods can lead to a shortage of these essential nutrients, causing fatigue, dizziness, or even fainting spells.

It may also impact blood sugar levels, leading to hypoglycemia, which is dangerous for both mother and baby.

Additionally, prolonged periods without food can cause the body to break down its fat stores, leading to the production of ketones, which isn’t ideal for the baby’s developing brain.

What Happens to Blood Sugar and Energy Levels?

Not eating for an extended period, like 12 hours during pregnancy, can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to feelings of fatigue, dizziness, and low energy.

Does Going Without Food Impact Baby’s Development?

Proper nutrition is crucial for the growth and health of a baby. If a pregnant woman is not consuming enough nutrients, her baby may not receive the necessary vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth.

Severe food deprivation can lead to low birth weight, developmental delays, and an increased risk of chronic health conditions later in life.

Is Skipping Meals Considered Fasting While Pregnant?

Skipping meals can be considered a form of fasting during pregnancy, particularly if it involves prolonged periods without eating. While occasional missed meals might not necessarily equate to fasting, consistently skipping meals or prolonged gaps between eating can lead to similar effects on the body as fasting, potentially affecting both mom and baby.

Is Intermittent Fasting Safe for Pregnant Women?

Intermittent fasting is a popular dieting trend that involves alternating between periods of eating and fasting. However, experts caution against its use during pregnancy due to potential risks.

Pregnant women have increased calorie and nutrient demands to support their growing fetus, and studies suggest that fasting could hinder fetal growth and development, increase preterm delivery risks, and lead to lower birth weights.

Any substantial shifts in blood sugar levels, which can occur when you avoid food, could also negatively impact both the woman and her fetus.

Moreover, fasting can trigger ketosis, a metabolic state where the body, starved of glucose, starts burning stored fats, leading to the production of ketones – chemicals that might be harmful to a developing fetus.

Therefore, it is generally not considered safe to undertake intermittent fasting during pregnancy.

Pregnant women are advised to maintain regular meal patterns and ensure they meet their needs for key nutrients. Rather than restricting their calorie intake with a diet like intermittent fasting, they should focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Proper hydration is also crucial.

What Are the Risks of Intermittent Fasting While Pregnant?

1. Increased risk for nutrient deficiencies

Abstaining from food (see the symptoms of not eating enough while pregnant), even for specific reasons, can cause a big lack of important nutrients. This shortage of nutrients can be really bad for both the mom and the baby.

When you go on a hunger strike, you don’t get enough of the important things your body needs, like proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This can cause problems because your body might not have enough of things like iron, calcium, iodine, and folate, which are super important for the baby to grow healthy.

Especially concerning is the potential deficiency in folic acid, which can lead to neural tube defects.

Moreover, fasting could exacerbate the already common issue of vitamin D and B12 deficiencies in pregnant women.

Not having enough nutrients can lead to different problems for the baby, like being born too early, being smaller than normal, and having issues with growing up. Also, when the mom doesn’t have enough nutrients, it makes it hard for her body to handle being pregnant and later breastfeeding.

2. Association with poor fetal growth

When a pregnant mom doesn’t eat enough, it can make the baby grow not as well as it should. This happens because the baby depends completely on the mom for food. So, when the mom doesn’t eat enough, the baby might not get all the important food it needs to grow properly.

When a baby doesn’t grow well in the mom’s belly, it’s called Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). This makes the baby usually born smaller than normal. Not getting enough food before birth can make the baby more likely to have health issues later in life, like heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and being overweight.

3. May cause dehydration

Fasting while pregnant can significantly increase the risk of dehydration, especially if it’s done for extended periods or in hot or humid conditions. When a person goes without eating, they typically abstain from both food and drink, including water. In pregnancy, this can present severe health consequences.

Pregnant women have an increased need for hydration due to the ongoing physiological changes happening in their bodies, such as the expansion of blood vessels and increased blood volume. Additionally, the water needs of the growing fetus are met through the mother’s hydration levels.

Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to maternal overheating, constipation, and in severe cases, preterm labor or urinary tract infections. Moreover, dehydration can also decrease the amniotic fluid around the fetus, resulting in complications.

4. May affect fetal movement

Fetal movement is a crucial aspect that indicates the healthy growth and well-being of the unborn baby. However, pregnant women who practice intermittent fasting may potentially risk the natural pattern of fetal movement.

Prolonged periods of fasting may lead to insufficient nutrient intake, which is vital for the baby’s growth, and subsequently impact fetal activity.

Mothers might notice reduced fetal movements, which could be an alarming sign. It’s not about the absence of movement but significant changes in the movement pattern that can indicate possible complications.

Future moms, therefore, should closely monitor their diet and ensure adequate nutrient intake to support the healthy development of their babies.

5. May cause anemia

Anemia is a significant risk for pregnant women who practice intermittent fasting. Anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body, can lead to fatigue, weakness, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Expecting mothers have an increased need for nutrients like iron and folic acid, which are critical for the development of the baby and the health of the mother. Intermittent fasting, a dietary practice that involves cycles of eating and prolonged periods without eating, could lead to inadequate nutrient intake, increasing the risk of anemia.

While intermittent fasting may benefit some individuals, it may not be appropriate during pregnancy due to these increased nutritional needs.

6. May increase risks for preterm birth

Pregnant women who practice intermittent fasting may potentially increase their risk of preterm birth.

The stringent eating window and prolonged fasting periods could lead to inadequate nutritional intake, essential for the growth and development of the fetus. This, in turn, could trigger preterm labor due to the body’s inability to sustain a gestation period longer than intended.

Prolonged periods without food could also lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can have harmful effects on both the mother and the unborn child.

Additionally, intermittent fasting can inadvertently give rise to complications such as dehydration and ketosis, with far-reaching impacts on fetal development.

There is also an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth restrictions due to inconsistent food intake.

7. May increase risks for miscarriage

When pregnant, the dietary needs are significantly increased, so depriving the body of necessary nutrients during the fasting window can potentially harm the developing fetus and lead to a miscarriage.

Studies also suggest a correlation between low-calorie intake during early pregnancy and elevated risk of miscarriage.

Moreover, intermittent fasting can lead to hormonal imbalance, dehydration, and blood sugar fluctuations, which are detrimental to both the mother and the baby’s health.

With increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems, intermittent fasting is usually not recommended during pregnancy.

8. Can affect breast milk supply and quality

Breast milk supply and quality are critical concerns for many pregnant women and new mothers, and some may wonder how intermittent fasting might affect these aspects.

While a balanced diet is known to influence the quality and quantity of breast milk positively, the effects of intermittent fasting—which involves cycling between periods of eating and not eating—are not entirely clear.

Some research indicates that nutrient-dense food intake in the non-fasting hours can ensure good milk supply and nutrient quality. However there aren’t many detailed studies that show exactly how refraining from food affects women who are breastfeeding.

What Are the Alternatives to Intermittent Fasting While Pregnant?

Understanding the need to remain healthy during pregnancy, those women who fasted regularly before pregnancy might consider alternatives to intermittent fasting. They are as follows:

1. Regular, safe exercises. Physical workouts, such as prenatal yoga, swimming, or walking, contribute to optimal health and stress reduction.

2. Eating smaller, more frequent meals to help with common pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness or acid reflux.

Abiding by these guidelines will not only support your energy levels but also maintain healthy gestational weight gain during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a special journey and a critical period – every decision you make must substantiate the great responsibility of nurturing a new life inside you. Remember, no diet, including intermittent fasting, is worth compromising the health of your baby.

When Fasting Is a Part of Your Religion

Religions worldwide see the act of not consuming meals as a powerful spiritual journey of self-reflection, self-control, and deeper faithfulness.

From the arduous 30-day sunrise to sunset fast during the holy month of Ramadan in Islam, the spiritual discipline becomes a pathway to purification and renewal.

In Christianity, particularly Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, the sacred period of Lent that spans around 40 days ahead of Easter is marked by fasting or abstaining from certain foods.

The Jewish faith includes fasting on Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, a complete 25-hour fast from eating, drinking, and other physical needs.

Many Hindus observe various fasts associated with festivals or specific deities, typically lasting a day.

The Buddhist practice also incorporates varying levels of fasting, centering on mindfulness and self-discipline.

To each its unique spiritual journey, going without eating serves as an enlightening experience that transcends the physical and nourishes the soul. 

When fasting is a part of your religion, and you are pregnant, health should still be your top priority. Diplomatically approach your religious leader and discuss alternative ways to honor your faith without jeopardizing your well-being or your baby’s.

Remember, many holy texts place emphasis on the preservation of life, your own and your baby’s. Focus on nourishing your body and soul by praying, meditating, and reading spiritual texts.

When You Should Pause Religious Fasting During Pregnancy?

While religious fasting is understandable as a powerful act of faith, during pregnancy, it may require careful consideration.

Scientists and healthcare professionals widely agree that maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated is crucial for the well-being of both mother and unborn child. It’s not about abandoning your spiritual beliefs. It’s about understanding the more profound respect for life.

There’s always room for modifications, like observing less rigorous fasts or compensating at non-fasting times. 

Remember, taking a break from fasting during pregnancy is not a weaker stand. It’s an act of utmost love for your unborn child. 

Tips for Pregnant Women Who Choose to Fast

Before deciding to fast, pregnant women should consider their general health, specifically whether they are underweight, overweight, diabetic, or anemic.

Further, ensure you’re well into your pregnancy, as fast in the early stages can increase the risk of early labor and lower birth weight. If given a green light, here are tips to follow for a safe fasting period.

1. Balance You Diet

Balance your diet with nutritious, moderate, and spaced-out meals before and after the fasting period. Predominantly select foods that release energy slowly, such as complex carbohydrates and proteins. Wholesome choices include lean meats, dairy products, beans, nuts, and whole grains, paired with ample fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Keep yourself properly hydrated

Keeping yourself properly hydrated during non-fasting hours is crucial. Quench your thirst with water, milk, or natural fresh juices instead of caffeinated or sugary drinks. Avail your chance to hydrate whenever possible, as the body’s hydration demands are high during pregnancy.

3. Don’t skip the pre-dawn meal

Don’t skip the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor or Sehri) in cases of religious fasts. This meal can work as a slow-burning fuel for your body while fasting. Also, at the break-of-fast meal (Iftar), don’t overindulge and aim for a balanced meal. Remember that emotional eating or consuming a high amount of sugary or fatty foods can detract from the essence of fasting and worsen pregnancy symptoms.

4. Be attentive to your body’s signals

If you feel dizzy, discharged, or unusually tired, break the fast immediately and eat something nutritious. Expecting mothers should never push beyond their body’s limits. You should seek immediate medical help if you experience contractions, bleeding, absent or decreased fetal movements, or any other unusual symptom.

5. Take vitamins or supplements

Complement your diet with doctor-recommended multivitamins or supplements to ensure your nutritional needs are met.

6. Exercise

Also, moderate, regular, low-impact exercises can help ensure that you and your baby remain healthy.

Wrapping Up

Remember, fasting isn’t recommended for all pregnant women. Your pregnancy health is paramount, and it’s critical to take the steps necessary to ensure you’re fulfilling your body’s needs during this significant phase.

If fasting feels too taxing, don’t hesitate to reconsider your decision, as it may be better to focus on maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Things to Watch Out When You’re Fasting During Pregnancy

 Fasting during pregnancy is a decision that must be taken with extreme caution.

While fasting might be safe for some women, certain considerations must be borne in mind.

Monitoring your hydration level is a priority, as dehydration can lead to complications such as preterm labor or low amniotic fluid. Even though fasts generally suggest refraining from consuming food and water, pregnant women should hydrate regularly to avoid such concerns.

Nutrient intake is another crucial aspect to consider. The developing fetus requires an array of essential nutrients, which might not be adequately received during fasting periods.

It is also suggested to closely observe any signs of fatigue or dizziness, which could indicate low blood sugar levels.

As the body experiences significant hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy, any unusual symptom could escalate quickly, so it is vital to stay alert and active in managing your health when you are refraining from food during pregnancy.

What to Eat to Break Your Fast During Pregnancy

Fasting can lead to a significant drop in blood sugar levels, and therefore, an effective way to break your fast would be to consume foods that help restore these levels.

Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as wholegrain bread, oatmeal, and brown rice, allow for the slow and stable release of sugar into the bloodstream, thus preventing sudden sugar spikes. 

Another key factor to consider while breaking a fast during pregnancy is hydration. After hours of no water intake, drink ample amounts of fluids to replenish lost water and electrolytes. Natural fruit juices, coconut water, or simply plain water can satisfy this need. Providing your body with necessary hydration also aids in the digestion process.

On top of this, pregnant women should also prioritize protein-rich foods to support the baby’s growth and development. Foods such as eggs, lean meats, and dairy products are excellent sources. Adding nuts, seeds, and legumes can also provide your body with fiber, which can help maintain bowel regularity.

Mineral and vitamin-rich fruits are also a must. Bananas and oranges, which are high in potassium, also help restore electrolyte balance and provide important vitamins, including vitamin C, which aids with iron absorption. Green leafy vegetables, like spinach, rich in iron and folic acid, should also be included in your post-fast meal to prevent anemia and promote healthy growth of the fetus.

Eating small portions is advised, as eating large amounts of food immediately can burden the digestive system. Gradually eating in small portions can prevent feelings of discomfort and nausea.

In all, breaking the fast during pregnancy should be carefully considered, and should prioritize nutrient-dense foods that satisfy hydration needs, stabilize blood sugar levels, and provide enough protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins required for the health and well-being of both the mother and baby.

12 Healthy Ready-Made Snacks for Pregnant Women

1. Mixed nuts or nut packets (see Nature’s Garden)
2. Greek yogurt cups or tubes
3. Pre-cut fruit cups or fruit rolls like those from Bear or Annie’s
4. Rice cakes (see Quaker)
5. Cheese sticks or portions
6. Hummus cups with pre-cut vegetable sticks like Garden Veggie Straws
7. Whole-grain granola or protein bars (see this great variety pack from Veratify and ridiculously awesome Heavenly Hunks)
8. Dried fruit packets (apricots, figs, dates) Chum Fruit Bites or Bare
9. Popcorn (preferably air-popped or low-sodium varieties) (see SkinnyPop)
10. Seaweed snacks or roasted chickpeas (see Kibo)
11. Rice crackers or whole-grain crackers with cheese slices (check these Roasted Seaweed Sheets)
12. Pre-packaged smoothie or fruit squeezes with no added sugar (see Noka)

FAQ

#1 – Is It Safe to Lose Weight During Pregnancy?

Losing weight during pregnancy is generally not recommended for most women. It can potentially harm both the mother and the baby.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through significant changes to support the growing fetus, and weight loss can deprive the baby of essential nutrients.

Additionally, losing weight can lead to a decrease in energy levels, which can affect the mother’s overall health.

It is important for pregnant women to gain a healthy amount of weight to ensure the proper development of the baby and to support the needs of the mother’s changing body.

However, for obese women, it may be safe to lose weight during pregnancy under the supervision of a doctor. In these cases, it is crucial for the management of the pregnancy, and it can reduce the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.

#2 – Can I Skip A Day Of Eating While Pregnant?

While it may be tempting to skip a meal when you’re feeling nauseous or tired, it’s not recommended to skip a day of eating while pregnant. The baby relies on you for nutrition, and skipping meals can lead to a decrease in essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium, which are crucial for the baby’s development.

In addition, skipping meals can also lead to low blood sugar levels, which can cause dizziness, weakness, and even fainting.

If you’re experiencing morning sickness or food aversions, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day and incorporating easy-to-digest foods like crackers, yogurt, or smoothies.

#3 – Is It Normal For Pregnant Women To Lose Appetite?

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience a loss of appetite at certain times during their pregnancy. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as nausea, vomiting, and hormonal changes.

During the first trimester, many women experience morning sickness, which can make it difficult to consume normal amounts of food.

Additionally, the heightened sense of smell and taste that often accompanies pregnancy can lead to aversions to certain foods, further contributing to a decrease in appetite.

In some cases, pregnancy can also cause heartburn and indigestion, making eating a less enjoyable experience.

However, it is important for moms-to-be to try to eat well for the health of both themselves and their developing baby.

Seeking out small, frequent meals and snacks, along with staying hydrated, can help with a decreased appetite.

#4 – Is Intermittent Fasting Safe While Trying to Get Pregnant?

When it comes to trying to get pregnant, some experts caution against following a strict intermittent fasting regimen. The fluctuations in hormone levels, potential nutrient deficiencies, and stress on the body from fasting could potentially have negative effects on fertility and a developing fetus.

While occasional periods of fasting may not be harmful, it’s important to discuss any dietary changes, including intermittent fasting, with your OB gyn, especially when trying to conceive.

Some studies have suggested that intermittent fasting may disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation, making it more difficult to become pregnant.

#5 – Is Intermittent Fasting Safe While Breastfeeding?

There is limited research on the safety of intermittent fasting while breastfeeding.

Since breastfeeding requires extra energy and nutrients, it is crucial for lactating mothers to eat well to support their own health as well as the health of their baby. Restricting those extra calories during fasting periods can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies and insufficient calorie intake, which may negatively affect milk supply and the overall health of the breastfeeding mother.

#6 – Can Fasting Impact Milk Supply?

Fasting can potentially impact the milk supply for breastfeeding moms.

When a mother does not consume meals, whether for spiritual, religious, or dietary reasons, it can lead to a decrease in her calorie and fluid intake, which can, in turn, affect her breast milk production.

Additionally, fasting can also lead to changes in hormone levels, which may further impact milk supply.

It is important for breastfeeding mothers who are considering going without eating to consult with a doctor to ensure that they are able to do so without negatively impacting their milk supply or their own health.

Some mothers may be able to fast without any adverse effects on breastfeeding, while others may need to make adjustments to their fasting routine or choose alternative methods of fasting that allow for adequate calorie and fluid intake.

#7 – Are There Safe Types of Fasting When You’re Pregnant?

Fasting during pregnancy can be a controversial topic, as many medical professionals advise against it due to the potential risks to both the mother and the baby.

However, there are safe types of fasting that can be considered during pregnancy.

The most common and widely accepted form of safe fasting is intermittent fasting, which involves alternating between periods of eating and fasting. This approach allows the body to continue receiving necessary nutrients and energy while also giving it a break from constant digestion.

Generally, intermittent fasting or shorter periods of fasting (e.g., 12 hours without eating while pregnant overnight) may be considered by some healthcare professionals as safe.

It may also be necessary for women with certain medical conditions or high-risk pregnancies to avoid fasting altogether.

Additionally, some religious or cultural fasting practices may have specific guidelines for future moms, and it is important for women to adhere to these guidelines as well.

Overall, with proper medical guidance and consideration of individual health needs, safe forms of fasting may be possible during pregnancy.

Additionally, pregnancy can already bring on its own set of physical and hormonal changes, and adding the potential stress of fasting may not be beneficial.

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Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Tania Nizova | Published: December 5, 2023