Unlike other festivals, Karwa Chauth is celebrated women by fasting for their husband’s long life and a blissful married life. In fact, women around the country celebrate this festival with a lot of zeal. Fasting with pregnancy has to be carefully monitored.
According to some Gynaecologist, expecting mothers should not fast during Karwa Chauth. Since, it can lead to a serious health condition and can elevate the blood sugar level. In some case, they advised not to fast completely without food and consume fluids like coconut water, fresh juices, milk and fresh fruit smoothies.
Tips for Pregnant Women for Fasting
- Consume Nutritious Meal Before Sunrise: ‘Sargi’ or before sunrise meal holds a lot of importance in this fast. Make healthier eating choices During pregnancy while observing this fast to cope better. Make sure you include fresh fruits, coconut water, and whole grain food items to keep your energy levels high. Refrain from consuming high-calorie food items, sweets or caffeinated beverages.
- Fasting for a longer duration as during Karva Chauth during pregnancy can lead to bloating, acidity, nausea and discomfort. An expecting mother should eat at regular intervals during pregnancy as it helps in managing it in a healthy way.
- Another important thing to keep in mind while fasting, is to refrain from intense physical work as it can make you exhausted. Sleep for a few hours during the day.
- If you feel hungry or uncomfortable at any time of the day, then eat fruit salad, but without salt. Drink water throughout the day, coconut water and milk can also be drunk. Even after opening the fast of Karvachauth, drink a glass of milk.
- If you are under medication follow your doctor’s advice. This is especially important since during pregnancy you are more prone to hypertension and gestational diabetes. And if you already have the conditions it could make matters worse. Also, if you are in your first or third trimester, observing a fast is best avoided.
- Watch what you eat when you are break the fast: It is best you avoid eating high calorie foods or those with high amounts of sugar when you break your fast, as this can lead to gestational diabetes.
Take adequate precautions, especially for those living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Have a Great Karvachauth.
