How long can I go without eating while pregnant?

How long can I go without eating while pregnant?

Author – Dr. Shefali Tyagi MBBS, DGO, FRCOG, MRCOG, PGDMLE, PGDPC, FRANZCOG
Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Motherhood Hospital, Sarjapur

Pregnancy is the phase where your body undergoes various changes. You start knowing these changes better as your delivery date gets closer. For a few people, these changes may be worrisome. If you begin to gain weight, you must realize that there are food items to keep you healthy. There may be many alternatives to opt for. Conceiving foods are those that help you maximize your fertility.

Most religions consider fasts as a ritual of gratitude towards god. And even atheists may practice fasts as a trend. But do you think it’s safe to observe fasts when you are pregnant or breastfeeding? Fasts you observe for religious causes are different from those observed to manage weight. 

How much weight gain is in a healthy range in pregnancy?

Mothers should always rely on a healthy and balanced diet plan as they plan to conceive or attain the conception. A healthy weight is mandatory to ensure that both mother and baby are in good health. 

  • The women with a normal body weight should aim for an increase of around 11kg to 16kg.
  • Women who are obese before their pregnancy shouldn’t gain above 7kg to 11kg as they become pregnant.
  • Women who are underweight before their pregnancy should seek their obstetrician’s advice. 
  • The obstetrician may consider checking your medical history.
  • Your obstetrician may recommend an increase of around 12kg to 18kg.

What conceiving foods should you add to your platter?

The day you prepare to conceive is perhaps the day that makes you more diet-conscious than ever. If you are preparing a platter that makes you fertile, here are the foods to add.

  • Beets:

Beets are perhaps the most underrated foods. Beetroots may help improve blood flow to the uterus. It ultimately aids embryo implantation.

  • Sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, an ingredient best known to aid the production of progesterone.

  • Berries:

Folate and zinc are the two antioxidants known to deactivate the free radicals. Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries contain antioxidants that enhance fertility. Just add berries to your platter along with some healthy fat and proteins.

  • Walnuts:

If you enjoy a snack that spices up your evening, walnuts will be the best bet. Walnuts are an excellent source of Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. They even contain B vitamins and protein. Apart from being turbocharged fibres, they are the only vegetarian foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. 

  • Sunflower seeds:

Male fertility is unquestionably as important as female fertility. Sunflower seeds improve sperm motility and boost the male libido by increasing the sperm count. Sunflower seeds make one of the best garnishes for your favourite delicacies.

  • Leafy green vegetables:

Green leafy vegetables are an all-time favourite for many. They are the evergreen boosters of health. But they are especially important when you are planning to get pregnant. Leafy green vegetables are a rich source of iron, folate, calcium and many other essential nutrients.

Is it safe to observe fast when you are pregnant?

Carrying a baby tends to increase your nutritional needs by about 300 calories per day. Fasting in pregnancy may be difficult. Some researches show that staying away from food or fasting for any length of time in pregnancy may contribute to the production of ketone bodies. Ketone bodies are the molecules produced by the liver in periods of low food consumption. They may leave adverse effects on the foetal health. These are the factors that predispose pregnant women to risks. You must abstain from fasts while carrying.

Most religious disciplines exempt pregnant and lactating women from fasts. Hydration is often the key to maximize your prenatal health naturally. Water plays a crucial role in the healthy growth of a baby. Therefore, it’s essential to stay hydrated in every phase of pregnancy. Many studies link dehydration to various health issues such as preterm labour, birth defects and low amniotic fluid. It’s best to seek your obstetrician’s guidance and stay under a midwife’s observation. Ask your dietician/obstetrician about how to round off a ‘conceiving diet’/pregnancy diet plan.

You should ask your obstetrician if it’s safe to observe a fast in pregnancy. Most obstetricians will ask you to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. You may be asked to stay away from any strenuous physical activity. No two pregnancies are the same. If your obstetrician confirms that it’s safe to observe a fast, you may proceed. Your obstetrician may consider many other factors before allowing you to fast. The factors may be the trimester you are in, your medical history, previous deliveries and the medical conditions underlying. Your obstetrician may ask you to prevent loss of fluids.

How safe is it to observe fasts while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding adds more to the nutritional requirements. You may need at least 450 to 500 extra calories per day. You may gradually start feeling better and decide how you can start or continue fasting. Almost every religious discipline would exempt mothers who are breastfeeding from fasting. 

Most reputable obstetricians agree that fasting for a day doesn’t affect milk production or the mother’s health or baby’s health. The only condition for a fast in breastfeeding is that both mother and baby should be in good health. Moms should seek an obstetrician’s advice. Obstetricians may advise you to increase your fluid intake before fasting.

The other condition for a safe fast is your abstention from strenuous exercises. Fasts tend to burn too many calories. And if you are fasting, strenuous exercise may complicate the overall health. If you feel thirsty, it’s a likely sign redirecting you to increase your water intake. Moms who are breastfeeding should habituate themselves to regular water intake. A few additional glasses every day while nursing may elevate your overall approach.

However, your obstetrician may not want you to extend your fast on any grounds. Extending fasts while breastfeeding may hamper the milk quality. It may affect your baby’s health. Your obstetrician may even prevent you from observing a fast soon after the childbirth. The reason why you should abstain from fasting instantly after childbirth is exhaustion. Your body and your baby are recovering from exhaustion after delivery. Your body is busy establishing the maternal milk routine. A healthy breastfeeding diet is as important as healthy conceiving foods. Therefore, extending a fast in pregnancy or breastfeeding isn’t always a good idea. 

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best fetal medicine specialists in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore at a center closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Shefali Thyagi, please book your appointment here.

Breastfeeding Story by Mrs. Afreen

Breastfeeding can turn around to be a nightmare if your wife is not guided properly or if a child does not latch on correctly or lactating.

With basic general knowledge like the baby needs to be fed for two years everything felt normal.

However, it was not meant to be.

The next three months in my wife’s life defined what a mother is all about. Every man needs to respect and support his wife for all the pain, compromise and sacrifice which we sometimes conveniently forget.

It is very important that our wives get the deserved rest at home and whenever possible handle guests yourself. Be with your wife when she is feeding especially during the night sessions to divert her mind and help her carry on as it is not easy to feed every two hours.

My wife had probably one of the worst experiences of breastfeeding. What seemed to her like a perfect latch led to extremely painful feeding sessions with cracked, bleeding and sore nipples. I hid my tears to give her strength as I could not imagine someone feeding in such a state.

However, her courage to feed her hungry baby is way beyond words. During this phase, Dr Aruna (our lactation consultant) was very helpful and handled my wife very patiently. Due to over lactation my wife was able to donate milk as well and we heard it was very beneficial to a lot of babies. Would like to conclude by urging all husbands to accompany their wives in every hospital visit and consult a lactation expert to learn the right techniques. ?˜

Maternity Diet Tips

Great maternity begins with great diet. Eating well is extremely important. Did you know that eating can determine C-section operation or natural birth! Yes! It can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Here are some diet tips from the best maternity hospital in Bangalore, Read:

1. Never skip breakfast.

  • Include cooked breakfast cereals with fruit in your first meal of the day. Fortified cereals have added nutrients that benefit your health.
  • Eat more food later in the morning.

 

2. Eat meals with fiber.

  • A variety of vegetables and fruits, like carrots, cooked greens, bananas, and melon keep you full for longer
  • Eat plenty of beans and whole grains along with brown rice & oatmeal.

 

3. Binge on healthy snacks.

  • Try fat-free yogurt with fresh fruits.
  • Eat grain crackers with low-fat cheese

 

4. Regularly take prenatal vitamin with iron and folic acid every day.

Never skip prenatal vitamins as they ensure a smooth and comfortable pregnancy. Iron and folic acid helps prevent birth defects.

  • Avoid Mercury-rich meals
  • Avoid fish and shellfish with high levels of mercury along with shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.
  • Eat low mercury fishes like shrimp, salmon, and catfish.

 

6. Stay away from soft cheeses and lunch meat.

There may be foods which might not be easy on the guts. Avoid bacteria prone foods like:

  • Soft cheeses like feta and goat cheese
  • Uncooked or undercooked meats or fish (like sushi)

 

7. Avoid alcohol and caffeine

  • Drink decaffeinated coffee or tea.
  • Drink water instead of soda.
  • Don’t drink alcohol.

Follow these tips and make sure that you get all your medical tests and scans on time. If you are looking for the best maternity hospital in Indiranagar, Visit Motherhood Hospital.

Fruits and veggies on your table Makes your health Stable

Fruits and veggies on your table Makes your health Stable

Nutritional tips for Toddlers:

  • Introduce only one food at a time, giving only small amounts at first
  • Increase variety slowly
  • Introduce all food groups.
  • Give an extra dash of fat in one or two items.
  • Do not use excessive fat, salt and sugar.
  • Prepare bland and non-flavoured items. Fried food, highly spiced, and highly flavoured foods are not liked.
  • Consistency should be gradually built from liquid to semi-solid and then solid.
  • Particle size of gruels should be built gradually from homogenized khichidi, to well mash to a thick khichidi.
  • Quality should be gradually increased.
  • If the child dislikes or disinterested, discontinue the food for some time and re-introduce later. Do not force feed. No food is indispensable or best.
  • Parents should avoid personal prejudices, likes and dislikes in front of children. Rather they should eat a variety of foods and encourage children to do same.
  • Identify intolerance and immediately discontinue. CowŸ??s milk, egg white, soybean etc. are known to cause allergies. Cereals which least allergy is rice and the pulse which causes best tolerance is moong dal.
  • Avoid fibre, whole legumes and raw vegetables with their high fibre content foods recommended for adults but not for infants.
  • Some complementary foods need special preparation such as ARF (amylase rich foods) or mashed potato or banana.
  • Prevent inclusion of junk foods, which provide only energy. Too many sweets biscuits, baked products like cakes and pastries, which have refined flour and sugar can cause dental caries.
  • Avoid nibbling. Have a 5-6 meal pattern. Keep gap of 3 hrs.Ÿ??, and encourage the physical activity and play to prevent obesity.
  • Meals should be attractive and served with care and personal attention.
  • Too much attention at meal time only makes child to achieve their ends. Healthy meal time environment of the family helps in good eating habits.

By Saraswathi Usha, Sr. Nutritionist Motherhood Indiranagar

Women Health & Nutrition

A balanced diet is a cornerstone of health for Women. Nutrient-rich foods provide energy for women’s busy lives and help to prevent disease. Eating right as follows:

  • At least three servings of whole grains such as whole-grain bread, rice, roti, paratha etc can be taken.
  • Three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products including milk, buttermilk, yogurt or cheese, ragi, soya, almond milk etc
  • Five servings of protein such as lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans or peas and nuts.
  • Three cups of fruits Ÿ?? fresh without added sugar.
  • Three cups of colorful vegetables Ÿ?? fresh without added salt / cooked.

Iron is one of the keys to good health and energy levels in women. Iron-rich food sources include red meat, chicken, fish, kale, spinach, green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils and fortified breads and cereals. Plant-based sources of iron are more easily absorbed by your body when eaten with vitamin C-rich foods. So the wise choice is to add tomatoes to lentil soup or add a pinch of lemon juice in your salads and cooking.

When women reach childbearing age, they need to eat good amount of folic acid to decrease risk of birth defects. The requirement is at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. Diet which contains folic acids such as Citrus fruits, leafy greens, beans and peas naturally contain folate. There are many folic acid fortified foods such as cereals, rice and breads can be used.

For healthy bones and teeth, women need to eat a variety of calcium-rich foods every day. Calcium keeps bones strong and prevents osteoporosis, a bone disease in which the bones become weak and break easily. Some calcium-rich foods include low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese, sardines, tofu (if made with calcium sulfate) and calcium-fortified foods including juices and cereals.

To keep weight in check at any age, women should avoid a lot of excess calories from added sugars, fat and alcohol. Limit regular soft drinks, sugar-sweetened beverages, candy, baked goods and fried foods. Opt for low-fat dairy and meat products instead of their full-fat counterparts. Eat fewer foods that are high in saturated fat Ÿ?? the kind found in fatty meats, sausages, cheese and full-fat dairy products, baked goods and pizza.

Since women typically have less muscle, more fat and are smaller than men, you need fewer calories to maintain a healthy body weight and activity level. Moderately active women need 1,800 calories a day.

Exercise is an important part of a woman’s health. Regular daily activity helps with weight control, muscle strength and stress management.

Food For A Healthy Mind & Pregnancy

Every day, pregnant and nursing women have to make important dietary decisions by consuming healthy meals that include essential nutrients such as folic acid, calcium and pre-natal vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are long-chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, are also crucial for the mother’s health and also for the overall development of a healthy baby.

Research indicates that one of the most essential Omega-3 fatty acids is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is critical for the development and functioning of the brain, the eyes and the central nervous system. Since Omega-3 fatty acids are not generated by the human body, pregnant and lactating women must obtain it either through diet or supplements. Babies rely on their mothers to get the much-needed DHA.

The Benefits

The European Food Safety Authority Scientific Panel recommends that pregnant and nursing women should consume 350 to 450 mg of DHA every day. Research suggests that DHA helps pregnant women by reducing the risk of pre-term birth and postpartum depression. According to a recent study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, taking DHA helps optimal pregnancy outcomes. By ingesting supplements during the last half of pregnancy, women have longer gestation cycles, bigger babies, and fewer preterm births.

DHA also benefits the baby. Research shows that it results in an increase in brain weight and a child’s IQ, better hand-eye coordination. Babies get DHA from breastmilk, where it is found naturally. Infant formulas are now being supplemented with DHA.

Research indicates that preterm infants born without the benefit of DHA in last trimester of the pregnancy did not perform well on cognitive mental tests. Low levels of DHA in children have been linked to an increased risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), vision problems and depression.

In India, there is a low level of importance given to DHA during pregnancy and lactation. DHA intake in India among pregnant women is 10 times lesser than the intake among mothers in developed countries.

There are different dietary sources of DHA such as:

  • Algae: Certain microalgae are natural sources of DHA. A natural vegetarian source of DHA can now be produced from microalgae, and is currently available in dietary supplements, fortified foods, and a number of infant formulas.
  • Fatty fishes such as anchovies, salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna and halibut
  • Organ meat such as liver
  • Fish oil
  • Poultry and egg yolks
  • Breast milk

Of the above, significant amounts of DHA are found in animal organs and fatty fish, which is a challenge for Indias huge vegetarian population. Non-vegetarians have the highest DHA levels. Not only that, pregnant women are usually advised to limit consumption of fish due to concerns over toxins such as mercury.

A common misconception that many have come across is the use of flaxseed and walnuts in the belief that these foods are a rich source of DHA. That is not true. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil contain a particular omega-3 fat called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a precursor of DHA. While the body can convert small amounts of ALA into DHA, it is not sufficient. According to World Health Organisation, marine oil supplements are often recommended to pregnant women to fulfil their Omega-3 requirements as they contain fatty acids DHA and EPA, which are the precursors of prostaglandins. Marine oils are usually promoted as a treatment for hypertension among pregnant women and non-pregnant adults.

Myths and Facts about Pregnancy by Jasmine

  • Myths and facts about pregnancy
    1. A pregnant mother should be eating for two.
    2. Saffron will make the babyŸ??s complexion fairer.
    3. Pregnant women should avoid fish.
    4. Craving for spicy foods means you are having a boy, and craving for sweet foods indicate a girl.
    5. Pregnant women can catch a flu with cold and sour food items.
    6. Papaya and pineapple can cause abortion or miscarriages.
    7. The food you crave or eat more during pregnancy are going to be babyŸ??s favorites.
    1. There is no evidence to show that you need to eat for two. Eating a healthy, balance diet is important.
    2. There is no evidence to support this belief.
    3. Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. E.g. Shark, Sword Fish, King Mackerel and Tile Fish. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage.
    4. Research shows that cravings have nothing to do with determining the sex of a baby.
    5. These foods are loaded with vitamin (citrus fruits) especially vitamin C. ItŸ??s an important vitamin for iron absorption. Curd and butter milk provide probiotics which keep the mothers get healthy and help in digestion along with providing good immunity.
    6. These fruits in their raw form contain certain enzymes, which if consumed in large quantities, can cause uterine contractions.
    7. No real evidence for this but some studies have shown that food choices you made during pregnancy may shape babyŸ??s food preference.

By
Jasmine, Nutritionist, Sarjapur Road

DIET IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN FIRST TRIMESTER

A healthy pregnancy with expert advice on pregnancy diet first trimester - Motherhood Hospital India

The months of trying and fretting over conception are finally over and you can now feel part of that magical world of new parents:

Once you are pregnant, it is rather important you eat the right type of food, in right quantity, and right intervals, to ensure a healthy mother and a healthy foetus. A balanced diet, containing low carbs, high proteins, necessary vitamins, minerals, micro nutrients and antioxidants along with fats in moderate amounts is what very pregnant mother should look forward to.

Even though your doctor might have prescribed folic acid pills/supplement you still need to include folate rich foods in your diet. Foods rich in folate include enriched white rice, cooked lentils / cooked spinach, chick peas, oranges, broccoli & eggs.

Vitamin B6 is important during the first trimester as it can inhibit nausea and vomiting. Rather than taking medicines include vitamin B6 rich foods like whole grains/walnuts/bananas jowar in your pregnancy diet.

If you can digest it, milk is a wonderful source of protein, vitamins, calcium, water, healthy fats and fortified vitamin D, Dairy products like curds and yogurt can add variety to your meal.

Fruits are rich in vitamins, antioxidant, fibre and water content. They are a perfect recipe for healthy pregnancy.

Iodine rich diet like eggs, cow’s milk ,strawberry ,walnuts to ensure proper mental development of the foetus

Tips for a healthy pregnancy:

  • Aim for 5-6 meals per day
  • Eat when you are hungry & stop when your full
  • Select fruits & Vegetables from different colours of the rainbow,
  • Aim to eat all recommended groups.

Checklist of Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, hormonal changes lower your immunity and affect your immune system. Your unborn baby is more susceptible to the bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause food-borne illness.

Food-borne illnesses such as toxoplasmosis, salmonella and listeriosis can cause serious illnesses in mother and baby.Toxoplasmosis may cause flu-like symptoms in the pregnant mother. Listeriosis causes few or no symptoms to the mother but can be transferred to the baby and can lead to miscarriage, still birth, premature birth or may make the newborn very ill. You can reduce the risk of listeriosis by taking simple food hygiene steps at home and avoiding certain high risk foods. Salmonella can cause illnesses such as typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, and food poisoning.

If you have any concerns about symptoms or illnesses, please consult your doctor. Keep this checklist handy to help ensure that you and your unborn baby stay healthy and safe.

Food to be avoidedReason
Soft CHEESE made from unpasteurized milk, including Brie, feta, Camembert, Roquefort, queso blanco, and queso frescoHot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts, fermented or dry sausage, and other deli-style meat and poultryMay contain Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, or Salmonella.
Certain kinds of FISH, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish (golden or white snapper)Contains high levels of mercury.
Unpasteurized JUICEMay contain E. coli.
SALADS made in a store (unwashed vegetables)May contain Listeria. It is essential to make sure that they are washed thoroughly to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis.
Raw or undercooked SPROUTS, such as alfalfa and moong beansMay contain E. coli or Salmonella.
Raw Eggs/eggnog and mayonnaiseUnder cooked/ raw eggs may contain Salmonella.
Caffeine (Coffee/Tea/Aerated drinks, etc)Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is not harmful but there are others reveal that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body.
AlcoholPrenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders.

Contact our Nutrition Department to know more about foods that needs to be avoided and included for safe pregnancy.

Diet tips for a winter pregnancy by Mrs. Edwina Raj

Being pregnant in winter is definitely better compared to summer as the cooler weather balances your naturally high internal temperature. It reduces the increased sweating during the third trimester. Although, winter is also associated with flu, common cold, infections, chills, etc.

Diet for Pregnancy during winter needs to be taken special care of. Your food intake is responsible for boosting your immunity. You must also keep yourself well hydrated and prevent your skin from becoming dry.

Here are some healthy eating tips to keep you and your growing foetus safe during winter:

  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to ensure a robust immunity.
  • Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. Add it to chutneys or drink it as amla juice, or you have it as sweet amla murabba. Vitamin C helps your body fight infection, and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
  • Drink kesar (saffron-few strands) milk which is also an antioxidant to help in improving your immune system.
  • To keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Keep a bottle of water handy and sip water regularly. It is important to stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty.

by Mrs. Edwina Raj , Nutritionist.