Impact of maternal fasting during Ramadan on fetal Doppler parameters, maternal lipid levels and neonatal outcomes

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether fasting may cause changes in maternal lipid profile, glucose level and ketonuria, and whether it has any adverse effects on fetal Doppler, birthweight, preterm delivery or cesarean section rate. Methods: Fifty-six consecutive, healthy women with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies of >= 28 week gestation who had fasted for at least 10 consecutive days during the study period were defined as the study group. Fifty-four healthy non-fasted women matched for age, parity, and gestational age were defined as the control group. Groups were compared according to fetal middle cerebral artery and umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio, maternal serum lipid levels and neonatal outcomes (gestational age at delivery, birthweight, delivery type and neonatal intensive care admission). Results: No statistical difference was found between the groups according to fetal Doppler parameters, amniotic fluid index, gestational age at delivery, cesarean section rate, birthweight or NICU admission. However, lower levels of VLDL, triglyceride and higher incidence of ketonuria were detected in the fasting group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Fasting of healthy women during pregnancy seems to have no adverse effects on amniotic fluid index, fetal Doppler and delivery parameters.