Ramadan fasting among pregnant women and its potential impact on newborn weight
Recent findings from researchers at a German university examine how observing Ramadan during pregnancy might influence birth outcomes. The study tracked the pregnancies of 326 women during the 2017 Ramadan period and explored whether fasting and altered daily routines affected newborn weight. The researchers compared health records from the mothers and their babies who fasted with those who did not fast, providing a nuanced look at how a month of daylight fasting could intersect with pregnancy and infant health.
Ramadan is observed by many Muslims worldwide and typically spans roughly one lunar month. During daylight hours, adults abstain from food and drink, resuming eating only after sunset. The night hours often bring meals that differ in timing and composition from everyday eating patterns, which can influence energy intake and the schedule of daily activities for expectant mothers.
In the study, a substantial shift in meal timing and content was noted among those who fasted. After sunset, meals tended to contain higher amounts of fats and simple carbohydrates compared to regular meals eaten outside Ramadan. The combination of late-day eating and delayed sleep times can affect overall nutrition, sleep quality, and daily energy balance for pregnant individuals. These shifts are relevant because maternal nutrition and sleep have known associations with fetal growth and development, which researchers aimed to understand in the context of Ramadan.
The research team collected data through a survey and reviewed medical records to build a picture of how fasting may relate to birth outcomes. Among the participants, 98 women observed fasting during Ramadan, while 46 chose not to eat for at least 20 days. By comparing the newborns and their mothers across fasting and non-fasting groups, the study sought to identify meaningful differences that could inform guidance for expectant families observing Ramadan.
Results showed that, on average, newborns of mothers who fasted during Ramadan weighed about 158 grams less at birth than those whose mothers did not fast. When fasting occurred specifically in the first trimester, the average difference increased, with newborns weighing roughly 353 grams less. These findings point to a potential connection between fasting during early pregnancy and subsequent fetal growth patterns, though they do not establish causation. The authors emphasize the need for further research to confirm these observations and to understand the underlying mechanisms, including how caloric intake, nutrient availability, and sleep disruption might collectively influence fetal development.
The study contributes to a broader conversation about how cultural and religious practices intersect with prenatal care. It highlights the importance of healthcare providers discussing dietary plans, energy needs, and sleep strategies with pregnant patients who observe Ramadan. Such conversations can help ensure both maternal well-being and healthy fetal growth while respecting personal beliefs and religious commitments.
In light of these findings, families and clinicians in Canada and the United States may consider individualized guidance that accounts for the timing of Ramadan within pregnancy, nutritional quality of meals, and realistic sleep schedules. The study underscores that maternal nutrition and rest are central to healthy birth outcomes and that any fasting-related considerations should be approached with attention to the specifics of each pregnancy. Attribution: PLOS One