Precautions For Pregnant Women During Karva Chauth Fast

Karva Chauth is a festival celebrated by women in the northern part of India. This is a Hindu festival where the women fast from sunrise to sunset for the long life of their husbands. This tradition is also followed by unmarried women for their fiancé.

Though this is a one-day festival, the preparations start quite early. Karavas or special clay pots are bought and painted beautifully. They are filled with bangles, ribbons, homemade candy, sweets and makeup items.

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On the day of the Karva Chauth, the women would visit each other and exchange these pots. Apart from this, importance is given to the fasting. Though the fasting is for your husband, it can be very taxing on your body especially if you are pregnant.

Karva Chauth fast during pregnancy or in fact any kind of fasting is not suggested for pregnant women. This can lead to unnecessary complications and risk for the mother and the child. If fasting during pregnancy is a must, there are a few things that you need to consider. Most of the religions exempt pregnant women from fasting during religious months.

The following are a few things that pregnant women can follow during the Karva Chauth fast.

Talk to your Doctor
When you are considering fasting during pregnancy, the first thing that you need to do is talk to your doctor. Your doctor will know you exact health condition. He will be the best person to tell you whether you can bear a one-day fast. Your doctor is sure of your medical history and will suggest different ways for your body to cope with the fast.

Eat before sunrise
Karva Chauth fast during pregnancy can be started off with a good meal just before sunrise. This will be of help to pregnant women as there will be presence of food for a longer period of time. Try and avoid sweets as this will only increase hunger as time passes. Eat a nutritious meal before sunrise. It will help you get through the day.

Drink Fluids
Fasting during pregnancy could be very stressful for the body. Most of this can be avoided when you are keeping yourself hydrated. Drinking a lot of water will help. This needs to be done just before and after the fast. Having tea to break the fast will not be a good idea as it will only increase acidity and cause uneasiness.

Be Active
Karva Chauth fast during pregnancy can be successfully done if you are active throughout the day. The key is that you should not be thinking about the food. Keep yourself busy with family and friends. Try to do something that you like. It will keep your mind off the food. Also try and talk to other pregnant women who are fasting.

Stay relaxed
Avoid any activities that will add to the stress of the Karva Chauth fast during pregnancy. Try and stay relaxed and not do too much of work around the house. Engage into lighter activities such as reading a book or music. If you are feeling weak and tired, then do not hesitate to break the fast.