Karva Chauth is an important festival for married Indian women. On this day married ladies fast for the long life of their husband while the single ones fast for a good husband. Unlike other fasts Karva Chauth is difficult as you cannot even sip water before moon rise which puts an expecting mother in a dilemma whether or not she should keep the fast.
So for all those expecting ladies who are in dilemma here are few tips that you need to keep in mind while fasting during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor: Before deciding to keep a fast consult your doctor or midwife before the fast to make sure that you are healthy enough to fast.. Though there is no study that proves fasting during pregnancy is dangerous but it all depends upon your health and how smooth your pregnancy is. In case you are not fit for the fast your doctor will advise you to avoid it for the well-being of the baby and you too.
Make moderation: Talk to your elders especially mother-in –law and make some alterations in the fast like eating fruits once in a day , drinking water throughout etc so that you can continue with your fast without discomforting the little one too.
Take rest: Try to take proper sleep and rest throughout the day so that you can save some energy and your body too feels relaxed. Don’t over exert your body.
Choose Sargi carefully: Sargi includes food items that you can eat in the morning before the sun rise. Try to pick nutritional food items like a glass of milk, nuts, fruits, a parantha so that you do not feel hungry for a long time. Secondly avoid talking too many sweets in the morning as they are just a storehouse of fats and calories instead pick something healthy and light.
Divert your mind: The more you sit idle the hunger pangs would increase so try to divert your mind in doing things like reading, listening to music etc but stay away from strenuous physical work. Also look forward to getting ready in the evening.
Some other tips:
• Drink plenty of water before starting and finishing your fast.
• Break your fast with a healthy meal which includes food items from every food group.
• Instead of leaving food entirely you can eat food what is allowed to eat during fasts.
• If you are feeling extremely weak during your fast, then do not hesitate to break it.
Doctors do not recommend strict fasting.
