The effect of Ramadan fasting on amniotic fluid volume

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the influence of Ramadan fasting on amniotic fluid volume.

METHODS: For this purpose 2 groups of fasting (n=28) and non-fasting (n=25) pregnant women were investigated for amniotic fluid index (AFI) and deepest vertical pocket of amniotic fluid in November (Ramadan month) of 2001-2002 in Kerman Prenatal Clinics in Kerman, Iran. Mean of gestational age based on the last menstrual period and ultrasound reports were 29.6 +/- 5.8 week and 29.5 +/- 4.2 week in fasting and non-fasting groups.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in age, gestational age, gravidity, parity and systolic/diastolic blood pressures. The mean deepest vertical pocket in fasting and non-fasting groups were 65.9 +/- 12.9 mm and 62.7 +/- 6.5 mm and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in this regard. Mean AFI in fasting group (189.9 +/- 35.9 mm) and in non-fasting group (166.8 +/- 25.3 mm) showed a significant difference (p less than 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study fasting in Ramadan has no significant effect on the decrease of AFI, deepest vertical pocket and amniotic fluid volume.