Karwa Chauth 2024 fasting tips for pregnant women: Do not skip your medication, what to do if there is delay in moonrise

Karwa Chauth, a significant festival for married Hindu women, involves a day-long fast but for pregnant women, fasting can pose unique challenges due to increased nutritional demands.

And the delicate balance of hormones during pregnancy. Pregnancy gives a new identity to a woman but it also comes with some dos and don’ts rules especially during festive fasting as a woman’s body goes through several alterations in chemistry and functions hence, health experts insist that one should not fast.

“During this phase, both the woman and the baby need a balanced diet and proper hydration. Woman with diabetes or gestational diabetes there is a need to keep the sugar level intact. Therefore, keep a few things in mind when a woman is pregnant and it’s a fasting day.” She advised -The first three trimesters are important for nutrition, and every pregnancy differs, so your nutritional habits, fetus health, and blood sugar levels will decide whether you can fast.

Therefore, first and foremost, consult your physician, since they know your body function well. Avoid dehydration, as it can lead to health complications like nausea, vomiting, and gastric problems. Also, avoid diuretic drinks like coffee or tea, as they reduce the body’s water content.

Take sufficient rest instead of exhausting yourself which can lead to fatigue and stress.

If you have decided to fast, then instead of going for complete fasting, you prefer having some small nutritious foods and liquids like coconut water, dry fruits, etc. Avoid highly processed sugar as that could spike your blood sugar levels followed by energy clashes, prefer nutritious-dense food during sargi. Avoid hunger pangs and provide sustained energy, which will slowly release energy.

Pregnant women are susceptible to UTIs, so if you see dark urine, nausea, or vomiting contact your doctor since dehydration can lead to these all. Also have an eye on symptoms like shaking, confusion, or sweating as these could be signs of hypoglycemia.

• Check your weight, if you are losing weight then contact your doctor.
• Do not skip your medication, if prescribed to you.
• If there is a delay in moonrise, do not extend your fasting for a longer period.
• Break your fasting immediately, if you find something irregular with your body.
• Avoid heavy activities during fasting days when you are pregnant.
• Avoid overindulgence while opening your fast.

This particular phase is very important and crucial so, you need to be careful about what you eat, your lifestyle, etc. It becomes very important to take advice from your physician regarding your regular routines.

Bringing her expertise to the same, Dr Rajeshwari Panda, Head of the Dietetics Department at Medicover Hospital in Kharghar Navi Mumbai, added to the list of tips to help you navigate Karwa Chauth fasting safely and comfortably