Fasting in pregnancy: a health review before deciding

Regular nutrition and adequate fluids matter during pregnancy. Evidence is insufficient to establish fasting as safe for all short- and long-term maternal and infant outcomes; absence of a particular harm in some studies is not a guarantee. Not fasting makes meeting these needs easier. Discuss the decision with the team who knows your health rather than under social pressure.

This page does not issue religious rulings; you may discuss faith questions with a trusted religious adviser and medical risks with your care team. Care should remain non-judgemental whatever you decide. Do not use fasting as a calorie-restriction plan to lose weight during pregnancy.

If considering fasting, discuss personal risks and when to stop first; that discussion is not a certificate of safety. Varied foods, adequate fluids and prescribed supplements remain part of care. Do not postpone checks or attribute reduced baby movements to hunger. Follow individual advice rather than a universal fluid or calorie target.

Do not continue fasting with dizziness, marked weakness, little or dark urine or inability to keep fluids down; seek prompt care. Contact the maternity team immediately for reduced movements rather than first trying food or drink to test the baby’s response. Bleeding, fluid leakage or severe pain also require urgent assessment; call 112 for fainting, seizures, heavy bleeding or severe breathlessness.