Karva Chauth 2024 fasting tips for pregnant women: Do not skip your medicines, what to do if moonrise is delayed. Health

Karva Chauthan important Festival for married hindu womenIt involves fasting for one day but for pregnant women, Fasting Growth may pose unique challenges nutrition The demands and delicate balance of hormones during pregnancy. Pregnancy gives a woman a new identity, but with it also comes certain rules of do’s and don’ts, especially during festive fasts as a woman’s body undergoes many changes in chemistry and functions, hence the health. Experts emphasize that one should not fast.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Varini N, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynecologist at Milan Fertility Centre, Bengaluru, shared, “During this phase, both the woman and the baby need a balanced diet and proper hydration . A woman suffering from diabetes or gestational diabetes needs to maintain sugar levels. Therefore, when a woman is pregnant and it is a fasting day, keep a few things in mind.” She advised –

• The first three trimesters are important for nutrition, and every pregnancy is different, so your nutritional habits, fetal health and blood sugar levels will determine whether you can fast. Therefore, first and foremost, consult your doctor, because they know how your body works 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 these reduce the amount of water in the body.
• Get enough rest instead of exhausting yourself, which can lead to fatigue and stress.
• If you have decided to fast, then instead of doing a complete fast, you prefer to have some small nutritious foods and liquids like coconut water, dry fruits, etc.
• Avoid highly processed sugar as it can increase your blood sugar levels followed by energy crash, prefer nutrient-dense food during Sargi. Avoid hunger pangs and provide sustained energy, which will release energy gradually.
• Pregnant women are susceptible to UTIs, so contact your doctor if you notice dark urine, nausea, or vomiting, which may be caused by dehydration. Also keep an eye out for symptoms such as tremors, confusion or sweating as these may be symptoms of hypoglycemia.
• Check your weight, if you are losing weight then contact your doctor.
• If you have been given medicine, do not leave it.
• If there is a delay in moonrise then do not extend your fast for a long time.
• If you feel anything irregular in your body then break your fast immediately.
• Avoid heavy activities during fasting days when you are pregnant.
• Avoid overindulgence while breaking your fast.

This particular phase is very important and crucial, so you have to be careful about what you eat, your lifestyle, etc. It becomes very important to consult your doctor regarding your regular routine.

Bringing in her expertise, Dr. Rajeshwari Panda, Head of the Department of Dietetics at Medicover Hospital, Kharghar Navi Mumbai, has added to the list of tips to help you complete the Karva Chauth fast safely and comfortably –

1. Pre-Fast Planning:

• Consult your doctor: Before fasting, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider. They can assess your overall health, adjust your prenatal vitamins as needed, and provide personalized guidance.
• Nutrient Rich Food: Make sure you eat a well-balanced meal the night before your fast, focusing on complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. This will provide sustained energy and help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
• Hydration: Stay well hydrated in the period before fasting to prevent dehydration, which can be especially harmful during pregnancy.

2. During fasting:

• Monitor blood sugar: Check your blood sugar regularly to make sure it remains within a healthy range. If your blood sugar drops significantly, consume a carbohydrate-rich drink or snack.
• Avoid excessive physical activity: While light exercise can help manage stress, avoid strenuous activities that can cause fatigue or dehydration.
• Eating mindfully: When breaking the fast, start with small, light meals and gradually increase your intake. Focus on nutrient-rich foods and avoid excessive sugar consumption.

3. Post-Fasting Nutrition:

• Serial Reproduction: Avoid eating too much immediately after breaking the fast. Reintroduce foods into your diet gradually to prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
• Nutrient Rich Food: Prioritize foods rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. These will help stabilize your blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy.
• Monitor blood sugar: Continue to monitor your blood sugar closely for a few days after breaking the fast to make sure it returns to normal levels.

4. Additional Tips:

• stress management: Practice stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing or yoga to help control your blood sugar and overall well-being.
• emergency kit: Always keep a glucose kit available in case of hypoglycemia.
• Notify loved ones: Inform your family and friends about your pregnancy and fasting plans to ensure they can provide support and assistance if needed.

Remember, fasting while pregnant requires careful planning and monitoring. By following these tips and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can celebrate Karva Chauth safely and comfortably while prioritizing the health and well-being of both you and your baby.

Considering that fasting holds great importance in Indian tradition and Karva Chauth is an annual fasting tradition observed by wives for the better health and longer life of their husbands, Consultant – Nutrition and Dietician at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, Mumbai , DT Aarti Singh, “During Karva Chauth, married women keep fast for the whole day without drinking any liquid. This fast in itself is considered difficult for women with healthy physical condition. In such a situation, fasting while pregnant is against their And can pose many dangers to the developing fetus. Pregnant women should be careful while observing Karva Chauth fast.

Talking about tips for pregnant women for Karva Chauth fast, she suggested –

1. Consult your doctor: The main step is to consult your doctor before deciding to fast. Your doctor can assess your current health condition, month of pregnancy, and any underlying risks associated with fasting. Fasting for a long period without following safety measures can be harmful to the growth and development of the baby.
2. Stay hydrated: Staying well hydrated is the key to survive Karva Chauth fast, especially when you are pregnant. During large eating periods, pay more attention to drinking plenty of fluids like water, coconut water or juice to maintain your hydration levels. Make sure you include hydrating foods like watermelon, oranges and cucumber in your big meals.
3. Choose nutritious food: Try to eat a balanced and nutrient-rich meal during the pre-prepared meal (Sargi). Including whole grains like oats and whole wheat chapati can help maintain your energy levels throughout the day. Foods like cheese, curd and lentils are good sources of protein which aid in the development of the fetus.
4. Break the fast wisely: When it comes to breaking your fast after moonrise, it’s quite common to get overly excited about food. Don’t overdo it and start with light foods that are easy to digest. This may include food options like fruits, soups, khichdi and fried vegetables. A healthy and balanced diet that contains essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbs and healthy foods can help protect your digestive system from getting affected after extended periods of fasting.
5. Listen to your body: Make sure you pay close attention to how your body feels throughout the day during the Karva Chauth fast. If at any point you start experiencing extreme symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting and low blood pressure, do not hesitate to break your fast. Remember during pregnancy you are responsible not only for your health but also for the baby.
6. Avoid high calorie foods: Avoid consuming excessive sweets, fried foods or caffeinated beverages.
7. Monitor fetal movements: Be aware of your child’s activities throughout the day. Any significant changes should be reported to your doctor.
8. Consider gestational diabetes: If you have gestational diabetes, fasting may not be advised. Consult your doctor for guidance on how to manage your blood sugar levels.
9. Give priority to a balanced diet: A balanced pregnancy diet is essential. Choose a variety of healthy foods and break your fast with nutritious options like fruit juice or other healthy beverages.

Remember, your health and your baby’s well-being are paramount. If you have any concerns or doubts about fasting during pregnancy, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider.