Effect of short-term maternal fasting in the third trimester on uterine, umbilical, and fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler indices.

Objective: To assess the effect of short-term maternal fasting on uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral artery Doppler indices, and on maternal serum glucose levels and fetal behavior.

Methods: Maternal serum glucose levels, fetal biophysical profiles, and uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral artery Doppler indices were assessed in 110 healthy women in the third trimester of pregnancy after fasting for 10-12 hours and 2 hours after a balanced meal.

Results: Maternal serum glucose levels, nonstress test results, fetal breathing movements, and biophysical profile improved after a meal compared with after fasting for 10-12 hours. Uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral artery Doppler indices were not significantly different after fasting and after a meal.

Conclusion: Short-term maternal fasting during the third trimester of pregnancy has no effect on uterine, umbilical, or fetal cerebral artery Doppler indices, and has a transient but significant effect on maternal serum glucose levels and fetal behavior.