Effect of Ramadan fasting on maternal oxidative stress during the second trimester: a preliminary study.

Aim: To evaluate whether fasting during Ramadan has any significant effects on maternal oxidative stress or fetal health in healthy, pregnant women with an uncomplicated, second-trimester, singleton pregnancy.

Methods: During the month of Ramadan, 1-29 September 2008, 42 fasting and 30 non-fasting pregnant women were enrolled in this prospective controlled study. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured from maternal serum samples taken on a fasting day during Ramadan. The two groups underwent routine follow-up examinations. At the end of the pregnancy, maternal complications, birth weight and maternal weight gain during the entire pregnancy were noted. To evaluate whether the duration of fasting days (≥10 or ≥15 days) had any significant effects on maternal oxidative stress, pregnant women who observed Ramadan for more than nine days or those who fasted for more than 14 days were compared with the control group in terms of TAS, TOS and OSI.

Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups studied in terms of TAS, TOS, OSI, maternal age, gestational age, parity, birth weight or weight gain during the pregnancy. The TAS level was evaluated as significantly higher (P = 0.027) in the ≥10 fasting days group compared to the non-fasting control group, while there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to TOS and OSI.

Conclusion: Maternal fasting during Ramadan during the second trimester does not have a significant effect on maternal oxidative stress, fetal development or fetal birth weight.