EFFECT OF RAMADAN FASTING ON PREGNANT WOMEN ON THE WEIGHT AND OTHER DEMOGRAPHICS OF NEWBORNS

Nazeer Khan; Muhammad Iqbal Khan; Shazia Fakhar; Jawveria Gulzar; Muhammad Kumail Baloch; Ayesha Saif

doi:10.46903/gjms/24.1.2203

EFFECT OF RAMADAN FASTING ON PREGNANT WOMEN ON THE WEIGHT AND OTHER DEMOGRAPHICS OF NEWBORNS

Nazeer Khan, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Shazia Fakhar, Jawveria Gulzar, Muhammad Kumail Baloch, Ayesha Saif

Abstract

Background: Literature suggests that the environment during pregnancy has a significant influence on the physical and mental health of newborns. The study aimed to determine the effect of Ramadan fasting on pregnant women on the weight and size of newborn babies, as well as on their sleeping patterns.

Materials & Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in three private (Raazi Hospital, Rawalpindi; Raazi Hospital, Islamabad; and Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad) and two government hospitals (Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi; and Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi) in Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi; and Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi. All pregnant women visiting the prenatal clinics during Ramadan were enrolled in the study. The pre-designed questionnaire collected participants’ demographic information, diet and sleep patterns, knowledge, and perceptions regarding Ramadan fasting. The information about the newborns was collected after the delivery of the enrolled participants.

Results: Six hundred and eight (608) pregnant women were followed up to the delivery. The weight, height, head-circumference, and mid-arm circumference of the newborns were not statistically significant in terms of the number of days of fasting, and trimester during the Ramadan between fasting and non-fasting mothers. However, the mean weight of newborns from mothers in middle socio-economic groups was significantly higher than that of newborns from mothers in lower socio-economic groups. Seventy percent of women include Roti or Paratha in Sahoor, and almost all the women were consuming the fruits in Iftar. There was also no significant association between newborns’ gender. However, APGAR score showed significantly higher mean value for fasting mothers.

Conclusions: The study concludes that Ramadan fasting in pregnant women does not have any effect on the weight, height, or gender of newborns.

Keywords

Birthweight; Fasting; Newborn; Pregnancy; Ramadan.

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References

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46903/gjms/24.1.2203