Mandatory menu during fasting for pregnant women & bull; hello healthy

For Muslims, fasting is a compulsory form of worship that comes only a month a year, namely during the month of Ramadan. Surely this is a prayer that has been eagerly awaited and an opportunity that Muslims do not want to miss to compete in performing their prayers. Then, what about pregnant women who fast during pregnancy?

Running fasting or not is an option for pregnant women. The ability to perform fasting during pregnancy depends on the condition of the pregnant woman and her fetus, whether they are in good health or not. However, if pregnant women still choose to fast, of course the menus that are eaten at breaking the fast and sahur must be more considered. Remember that the fetus needs good and proper nutrition for development and growth in the mother's womb. Do not use fasting as an excuse to limit the nutrients that the mother provides to the fetus. If the mother's nutritional intake is lacking during fasting, this will have an impact on the growth and development of the fetus. For example, a baby will be born with a low weight, especially if the gestational age when fasting is still in the first trimester.

Although fasting during pregnancy can cause a condition called " accelerated starvation "(A condition in which the hormone regulating blood glucose is disturbed and blood glucose levels can drop dramatically), but this condition can be avoided by adjusting the diet during fasting.

What types of food should pregnant women consume while fasting?

1. The food menu when breaking the fast and dawn should still pay attention to a balanced nutritional menu. This includes a diet containing carbohydrates, animal protein, vegetable protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Examples are rice, green vegetables, fish, tofu, fruit, and milk. A menu that contains complete nutrients helps the fetus meet the nutrients it needs.
2. Choose complex carbohydrates. For example: brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, and nuts, as well as those that contain fiber, such as vegetables and fruit, nuts, wheat and whole grains. These foods take a long time to digest, so hunger will last longer. Fiber also works to prevent constipation.
3. Increase the consumption of foods that contain lots of protein. For example: meat, fish, eggs, and nuts. Large amounts of protein are needed for fetal growth and development.
4. Limit sugary foods. Sugary foods help increase the blood sugar level which falls during fasting, but after that it can cause the blood sugar level to drop rapidly. This results in pregnant women becoming weak and weak and can make you feel hungry quickly. The habit of eating sweet foods when you start breaking your fast should be replaced by eating sweet fruits because they can help provide energy at the beginning of breaking your fast. Certain fruits also contain fiber, which can help keep you fuller for longer.
5. Also limit foods that contain high fat. This includes fried foods, cake , donuts, pizza, burgers, fatty meats, chicken skins, and more. Replace with foods that contain good fats, such as avocado, nuts, fish oil, fish, cheese, and others.
6. Expand foods that contain calcium. For example milk, cheese, yogurt, green vegetables, fish with bones, and others. These foods help provide enough calcium for the fetus.
7. Drink a lot of water. We recommend that you drink about 1.5-2 liters a day to prevent dehydration. Also avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea because they are diuretic. This results in frequent urination and will result in more water loss.

Again, this is an option for pregnant women to fast or not. Pregnant women must be sure of the condition of their bodies when they decide to fast. We recommend that you consult your doctor before deciding.

If you choose to fast, support from your husband, parents, and people around you for pregnant women to fast is very necessary. People around can help remind pregnant women to keep the intake they eat during fasting. Research by Joosoph, Abu, and Yu (2004) shows that 74% of the 182 pregnant women who became respondents succeeded in fasting for approximately 20 days during the month of Ramadan. This success was achieved thanks to the support of husband and family, as well as the belief to undergo worship.

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