Effect of maternal fasting on uterine arterial blood flow.

Aim: To determine the effect maternal diet pattern on the uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study. The uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry was measured between 20 and 24 weeks' gestation in healthy pregnant women observing Ramadan. For each fasting mother, a non-fasting healthy pregnant woman was recruited as a control. Maternal blood glucose level was measured.

Results: A total of 106 pregnant women were studied. The mean hours since last oral intake were significantly longer, and the maternal glucose level was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. The Mean (95% CI) of the uterine artery pulsatility index, resistance index, peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and systolic/diastolic ratio was similar in both groups.

Conclusion: Maternal fasting is not associated with significant changes in the uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry.