The Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Maternal Metabolic Health and Pregnancy Outcomes

Ramadan fasting is a widespread religious practice observed by pregnant women globally, yet its impact on maternal metabolic health and pregnancy outcomes remains incompletely understood. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence on physiological and metabolic alterations during Ramadan fasting, including effects on blood glucose regulation, lipid metabolism, inflammatory markers, and nutritional status in pregnant women. It explores the influence of maternal fasting on fetal growth, organ development, and neurodevelopmental outcomes, alongside associations with pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders. The review also evaluates counseling approaches, nutritional interventions, and monitoring protocols designed to mitigate fasting-related risks. Despite established risks in certain contexts, findings reveal heterogeneous effects influenced by fasting duration, maternal health status, and cultural factors. Identified research gaps include long-term maternal and fetal outcomes and the need for personalized management strategies. This review underscores the importance of balancing religious practices with maternal-fetal safety, advocating for evidence-based guidelines that respect cultural diversity and encourage further research to optimize pregnancy care during Ramadan fasting.