Is it safe?

There is no clear answer, even though some medical studies have looked at the effects of fasting. Some studies seem to show little or no effect on newborn babies from their mother's fasting, whilst others suggest that people may have more health problems later in life if their mother's fasted during pregnancy.

Much may depend on how healthy you are before you get pregnant. Women whose weight and lifestyle are generally healthy seem to cope better with fasting. Your baby needs nutrients from you. If your body has enough energy stores, then the impact of fasting might be lessened. And it may depend on other factors, such as:

• What stage you are in your pregnancy
• How long the fast is
• If Ramadan coicides with hot weather and long days
• Your general health before pregnancy

What to do before fasting

• Talk to your doctor, who can reviw your physical health, and any possible complications, such as, gestational diabetes or anaemia
• Start to increase your water intake in weeks before the fast to get your body hydrated
• Keep a food diary so you can keep track of what you are eating and drinking
• If you normally have a lot of caffeinated drinks, such as, coffee, tea, cola, try to cut back before starting your fast to avoid 'withdrawl' headaches

What's the best way to break the fast

Be sure to have a variety of healthy food and plenty to drink at Itfar (meal that breaks the days fast) and Suhur (pre-dawn meal). Rather than feasting at these times try to have several well-balanced nutritious meals, include some of the points below:

It's customary for Muslims to break the fast (Iftar) with some dates, in accordance with the Prophetic traditions. Dates will provide a burst of energy. Start by drinking plenty of water, which helps rehydration and reduces the chances of over indulgence. Avoid the rich, special dishes that traditionally celebrate the fast.

• Choose foods that release energy slowly - such as dates and other fruit, beans, lentils and wholgrains - to break the fast.
• Avoid heavily-processed, fast-burning foods that contain refined carbohydrates (sugar and white flour), as well as fatty food
• Make sure you get plenty of protein from beans, nuts, well-cooked meat and eggs. Protein is needed to make your baby grow
• Drink plenty of fluids overnight to prevent dehydration
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to provide you with important vitamins and minerals, such as, vitamin C, B vitamins and folate.
• Try to eat high-fibre foods and complex carbohydrates, such as grains and pulses at Suhoor. Your body takes longer to break down and absorb these foods, so they will fuel you better during your hours of fasting.
• Include some dairy in your meal, such as, milk, cheese and yogurts and aim to follow proportions set out by the Eatwell Plate.

If you start to feel unwell at any stage during your fast contact your GP or Midwife.

For recipe ideas and more about ethnic diets go to www.theismaili.org/nutrition

For more general information on Ramadan visit: http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/healthyramadan/Pages/Healthyramadanhome.aspx

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthyramadan/Pages/Healthyfasting.aspx