Healthy Fasting Guide for Pregnant Women: Focus on Nutrition and Fetal Comfort

JAKARTA - Fasting during pregnancy certainly requires more extra preparation. However, according to medical glasses, pregnancy is not an obstacle for prospective mothers to fast, as long as the body and fetus are in a stable state.

Dr. Zulkarnain Tambunan, Sp.OG (Subsp. ONK), obstetrician and gynecologist from RSUD dr. Zainal Umar Sidiki, explained that pregnant women are allowed to fast from the beginning of pregnancy until the eve of childbirth.

"The main requirement is that the mother does not have certain medical conditions such as excessive nausea or vomiting (hyperemesis). If the body condition is fine, fasting can be carried out safely," said the doctor who is familiarly called dr. Coky.

In order for the body to stay fit and the fetus to get enough nutrition during the 13-hour fast, the menu arrangement during sahur and breaking the fast is crucial:

Quality Sahur: Don't miss sahur. Focus on complex carbohydrate intake (such as red rice or wheat) for longer energy reserves, as well as high protein (eggs, fish, or meat) to support fetal tissue growth.

Hydration & Nutrition Iftar: When breaking the fast, restore your body's energy with balanced nutritious food. Make sure your fluid needs are met by drinking enough water between iftar and sahur to prevent dehydration.

Apart from food intake, dr. Coky emphasizes the importance of daily activity management for pregnant women:

Rest Enough: Quality sleep helps the body regenerate and keep the mood calm during fasting.

Monitor Body Signals: If you feel excessively agitated due to hunger or severe dizziness, don't force yourself.

Medical Check-up Routine: It is highly recommended to more diligently check the condition of pregnancy to health facilities. This is important to monitor whether the weight of the fetus remains in accordance with the growth chart even though the mother is fasting.

With the right combination of nutrients, adequate rest, and regular medical supervision, pregnant women can carry out Ramadan prayers calmly without worrying about the health of their baby.