ABSTRACT
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 nonfasting 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