Karwa Chauth 2024: Expert Weighs In On How Pregnant Women Can Fast

Pregnant Women Fasting: In a few months, we will be celebrating Karwa Chauth, a festival in which many married Hindu women fast for their husbands and pray for their long lives. However, if you have recently received the good news of embracing parenthood and wondering how you can fast, here is a guide for you. 

Among Hindus, many women have faith that this fast will ensure that their spouse will live a healthy and long life, and in order to observe it, many women put their health at stake. But in pregnancy, you might be putting two lives at risk. 

We spoke to Dr Madhu Juneja, Senior Consultant OBGYN and gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Pune, Maharashtra. Pregnant women have to be extra cautious about their nutrition because it is crucial for the healthy development of the baby. 

Should Pregnant Women Fast On Karwa Chauth?

Dr Juneja suggested visiting your gynaecologist before deciding whether you should fast on Karwa Chauth. They will tell you if it is healthy for you to observe the fast, or else, you might end up hampering your health. 

If your condition does not allow you to fast, the doctor will let you know. In most probability, if the doctor even allows you to fast, they would not suggest not eating or drinking until night. 

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Pregnant Women Karwa Chauth Fasting Tips

• If the doctor agrees that you can keep the fast, you have to be cautious of what you have for Sargi, a meal consumed before sunrise. It should be a healthy mix of proteins, carbohydrates, nuts, milk, and cereals. 
• The doctor suggested avoiding excessive sugary and salty food because it will make you feel thirsty more often. 
• You need to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you are abstaining from drinking water, you should have enough of it before sunrise and after breaking the fast. The expert also suggested drinking coconut water, milk, and fresh fruit juices to stay hydrated throughout the day and ensure that your body has a continuous supply of nutrients. 
• If you are not abstaining from eating anything throughout the day, you should definitely make snacks a part of your diet. The list includes yoghurt, dry fruits, and cottage cheese. They are lightweight and offer nourishment to the body. 
• Instead of food, the doctor advised to break the fast with fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges. Since they are rich in fibre and vitamins, they give a boost to your energy. 
• Once you have broken the fast, you should have dinner. A bowl of lentil soup, rice, and steamed vegetables make for a good combo meal for Karwa Chauth. 
• The expert suggested not skipping supplements like prenatal vitamins and other prescribed medicines. 

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Dr Juneja added, “Remember the essence of Karwa Chauth is love and bond between couples. If fasting is not feasible, consider the alternate way because the health of your baby comes first.”

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