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The effect of Ramadan fasting on fetal development
Atilla Karateke1, Mustafa Kaplanoglu2, Fazil Avci3
1Dr. Atilla Karateke, Antakya State Hospital of Obstetrics and Child Care, Hatay, Turkey.
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
|February 13, 2016
Summary
Ramadan fasting did not negatively impact fetal development or pregnancy outcomes in healthy pregnant women. Pregnant women should consult doctors and maintain nutrition during fasting periods.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Ramadan fasting involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
- The impact of Ramadan fasting on pregnancy outcomes requires further investigation.
- Understanding fetal development during maternal fasting is crucial for maternal-fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on fetal development.
- To assess pregnancy outcomes in fasting versus non-fasting pregnant women during Ramadan.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study comparing fasting and non-fasting pregnant women during Ramadan.
- Ultrasonography used to measure fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), estimated fetal body weight (EFBW), fetal biophysical profile (BPP), amniotic fluid index (AFI), and umbilical artery systole/diastole (S/D) ratio.
- Participants grouped by trimester, with 40 fasting and 40 non-fasting women per trimester.
Main Results:
- No significant differences observed in fetal age, maternal weight gain, estimated fetal weight gain, fetal BPP, or umbilical artery S/D ratio between fasting and non-fasting groups.
- A statistically significant increase in maternal weight was noted in the second and third trimesters for fasting women.
- A significant increase in amniotic fluid index (AFI) was observed in the second trimester for fasting women.
Conclusions:
- Ramadan fasting did not result in adverse fetal outcomes compared to non-fasting pregnant women.
- Pregnant women considering fasting during Ramadan should seek medical advice and ensure adequate caloric and hydration intake.
- Further comprehensive randomized studies are recommended to fully elucidate the effects of fasting on pregnancy and fetal development.
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