The effect of maternal diet restriction on pregnancy outcome

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intermittent maternal fasting on pregnancy outcome. The course and outcome of 168 fasted pregnant women were reviewed. A total of 168 fasted and 156 control pregnant women were studied. The incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) was significantly higher in the fasted group than in the control group ( p = 0.001). Labor was induced in 26 of 168 women (15.5%) in the fasted group compared with 11 of 156 women (7.1%) in the control group ( p = 0.004). The cesarean section rate was significantly higher in the fasted group ( p = 0.01). There was no difference in Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes between the two groups. Admission to the special care baby unit (SCBU) was significantly more frequent in the fasted group than the control group ( p = 0.001). Maternal diet restriction is associated with an increased risk of GDM and induction of labor. The frequency of neonatal admission to SCBU is increased.