Perinatal outcome among fasting and non fasting mothers during the month of Ramadan

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perinatal outcome among fasting and non fasting pregnant mothers. METHODS: A total of 180 women, who came for delivery in the labor suite were included, after verbal informed consent. These women were divided in two groups fasting (n=100), and non-fasting (n=80). RESULTS: The mean age of the mothers was 27.16±4.27 years in the fasting group and 27.36±4.92 years in non-fasting group. The average BMI of mothers was 25.31±3.26 kg/m(2)in fasting group while 25.64±3.58 kg/m(2)in non-fasting group. Perinatal outcomes, the birth weight, head circumference and mid arm circumference were almost similar between the two groups. Weight of placenta was 537.80±80.01g in fasting group while 540.50±84.29 g in non-fasting group and height of baby was 45.79±3.07 cm in fasting group while 46.61±2.92 cm in non-fasting group. In fasting group, placenta weight was 531.5±92.80 g in boys while 544.8±62.79 g in girls and ratio of placental to birth weight was 18.8±2.28 in boys while 19.4±2.70 in girls. CONCLUSION: Maternal fasting affects placental weight and length of baby, with effect more pronounced in male babies.