Run fasting for pregnant women is an option in itself. The ability to undergo fasting depends on the condition of the mother and the fetus. However, if pregnant women still want to fast, there are several food menus for pregnant women during fasting that must be consumed at every meal and break. The diet of pregnant women during fasting must be considered and fulfilled.
Nutrition intake is important for every pregnant woman to pay attention to. This is because the fetus really needs good and proper nutrition for growth and development. Do not make fasting an excuse to limit nutritional intake for the fetus. If the mother’s nutritional intake is lacking during fasting, it will have a negative impact on fetal growth and development.
The impact that might occur is that the baby will be born with a low weight, especially if the gestational age is still in the first trimester. When pregnant, fasting will cause the hormone that regulates blood glucose to be disturbed. And blood glucose levels can drop dramatically.
However, this condition can be prevented by means of a regular diet during fasting. Pay attention to the types of food consumed at dawn and breaking the fast.
So what are the mandatory menus for pregnant women during fasting?
The types of food consumed by pregnant women must contain lots of healthy nutrition. Besides being healthy, it must be balanced too. So, what are the foods that contain balanced and healthy nutrition? Let’s look at the following summary.
Pay attention to a balanced nutrition menu
Foods that contain balanced nutrition mean those that contain carbohydrates, prohe, prona, fat, vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates are substances that produce calories. Such as rice, corn, sweet potatoes etc. Protein is divided into two, namely animal and vegetable protein.
The ingredients obtained are fish, meat, eggs, milk and tempeh. While the fat content that is obtained from nuts, cheese and butter. The complete intake of nutrients that the mother consumes can help the fetus to fulfill its nutrition.
Choose Complex Carbs
You are advised to choose healthy foods containing complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrate content is obtained from brown rice, whole wheat bread, nuts, oatmeal and high fiber foods.
These types of food take a long time to digest. That is what makes pregnant women not easily feel hungry. Not only that, foods that contain complex carbohydrates can provide energy gradually. This energy is what a pregnant woman’s body needs when fasting.
Eat High Protein Foods
Foods that contain high protein are needed by pregnant women. This is useful for metabolic processes and a source of energy for the body. Protein contained in large amounts is also needed by the fetus. Protein is very useful for fetal growth and development.
You can consume nuts, fish, meat and eggs. These foods contain lots of high protein.
Expand Foods Containing Calcium
Calcium is needed by pregnant women. This is to help the growth of fetal bones and teeth. You can find calcium content in several types of food. Cheese, milk, yogurt, green vegetables, fruits are foods that contain calcium. Of course it is good for pregnant women to consume at dawn or breaking their fast.
Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables
The content of vitamins and minerals in vegetables and fruits is needed by pregnant women. These nutrients are very useful for maintaining the health of the mother and the fetus she is carrying. You can consume spinach, kale, oranges and many more.
Increase the Water
Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. This is to prevent dehydration or lack of fluids. Pregnant women are advised not to consume caffeinated drinks. An example is coffee, tea which has diuretic properties.
If consumed during pregnancy, it can cause frequent urination. Of course, it will make you even less fluid in the body.
For pregnant women who want to fast in the month of Ramadan, back to the options. It is not an obligation for pregnant women to do this fast. You must be sure of the condition of your body and the fetus. If you choose to fast, you really need support from your husband, parents and loved ones.
Their support will really help you to pay attention to the food intake you eat during fasting. in addition, you are also more able to maintain the health of you and the fetus.
Sahur and Iftar Menu Guide for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should eat a variety of food suhoor and iftar. But it must be balanced. Eating in the way we have summarized provides energy throughout the day. Of course, to meet the nutritional needs of the mother and the fetus.
During Suhoor, this is an important time to provide energy for activities throughout the day. High-energy foods such as carbohydrates, fiber, protein must be served at dawn. The combination of nutrients contained in these foods supports the body to stay energized.
When breaking your fast, it is important to consume foods rich in sugar first. It can be used by the body to get energy quickly. You can consume sweet fruits for the first menu. One example is dates, because they are very good energy.
Example of Sahur Food for Pregnant Women
- Carbohydrates: foods made from whole grains, brown rice, white rice.
- Protein: eggs, nuts, milk.
- Fiber: fresh fruits, vegetables.
Example of Iftar Menu for Pregnant Women
- First Meal / Breaking fast: fresh fruits, dates and vegetables.
- Main Foods: meat, fish, soup, milk, cheese, nuts.
- Dessert: fresh and sweet fruits.
Examples of Foods to Avoid During Suhoor and Iftar for Pregnant Women
- Fried food. This is because foods that contain lots of fat will be difficult to digest.
- Cookies or biscuits that are high
in sugar. This is because these foods can increase blood sugar levels by increasing. - Caffeinated drinks. Drinks that contain caffeine are able to stimulate the release of body fluids. This puts pregnant women at high risk of dehydration.
Also Read: So that pregnant women stay healthy and fit while fasting
If you are pregnant in the first trimester, you should not fast first. This is because, in the first trimester, it is the time when the fetal organs are forming rapidly. Thus, the fetus really needs very adequate nutritional intake.
Fasting during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause the baby to be born with low birth weight. After the first trimester, only pregnant women can carry out fasting. That is, if the nutritional status of pregnant women and the fetus is within normal limits.
Even though pregnant women in the second and third trimesters can fast, they still have to be vigilant. Pregnant mother must continue to pay attention to balanced nutritional intake. So that the growth and development of the fetus is not disturbed during fasting.
That is a summary of the mandatory menu items that pregnant women should consume during fasting. If you feel any unusual complaints during fasting, see a doctor immediately.
Hope it is useful!
