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Changes in placental size during Ramadan.

S H Alwasel¹, Z Abotalib, J S Aljarallah

¹Fetal Programming of Diseases Research, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. sawasel10@hotmail.com

|July 13, 2010

Summary

Ramadan fasting in Saudi Arabia is linked to slower placental growth and reduced placental weight. This suggests altered fetal programming with potential long-term health implications for newborns.

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Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Developmental Biology

Background:

Placental growth is influenced by maternal factors.
Ramadan involves significant dietary and physical activity changes for pregnant women in Saudi Arabia.
The impact of Ramadan on placental development is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of Ramadan lifestyle changes on placental development in Saudi Arabian pregnant women.
To analyze birth weight, placental weight, and placental-to-birth weight ratios in relation to Ramadan observance.

Main Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 7083 birth records from Saudi nationals in Unizah.
Data collected included birth weight, placental weight, and gestational age.

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Comparison of placental metrics for babies gestating during Ramadan versus those not.

Main Results:

Mean placental weight and placental-to-birth weight ratio were lower compared to non-Ramadan periods.
Babies in the second or third trimester during Ramadan showed significantly lower mean placental weight and ratio.
This effect was observed in both male and female infants, with statistically significant differences.

Conclusions:

Placentas adapt to maternal nutrient availability, with Ramadan further slowing growth but potentially increasing efficiency.
Lifestyle changes during Ramadan, possibly beyond fasting, impact placental growth.
Altered placental growth during Ramadan may have implications for fetal programming and long-term health.