ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intermittent maternal fasting on pregnancy outcome. The course and outcome of 168 fasted pregnant women were reviewed. A total of 168 fasted and 156 control pregnant women were studied. The incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) was significantly higher in the fasted group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Labor was induced in 26 of 168 women (15.5%) in the fasted group compared with 11 of 156 women (7.1%) in the control group (p = 0.004). The cesarean section rate was significantly higher in the fasted group (p = 0.01). There was no difference in Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes between the two groups. Admission to the special care baby unit (SCBU) was significantly more frequent in the fasted group than the control group (p = 0.001). Maternal diet restriction is associated with an increased risk of GDM and induction of labor. The frequency of neonatal admission to SCBU is increased.
KEYWORDS
Maternal fasting - pregnancy outcome
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Hisham M MirghaniM.R.C.O.G.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University
P.O. Box 17666, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
