Intermittent Fasting and Pregnancy

SarahKate2710
SarahKate2710 Posts: 37 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Just wondering if anyone has seen any research or studies that have to do with IF and pregnancy. My husband and I are going to start trying for baby #2 soon and I have been practicing IF off and on since baby #1 was born and I really like it. One of my main concerns is how does IF work-affect pregnancy. I go to the gym at 4am, because that is the time that works for our family, but don't break my fast until 11 30ish. I usually just sip on some BCAAs during the morning. I know BCAAs aren't recommended during pregnancy and once I am pregnant I will ask my doctor to refer me to a dietician to have this chat. Just looking for some info so I can be prepared. Thanks.

Replies

  • tcunbeliever
    tcunbeliever Posts: 8,219 Member
    I think a lot of women IF in the beginning of their pregnancy by accident because they feel too sick to eat. I don't think it has caused any adverse effects as long as dehydration is countered with sufficient water and electrolytes.

    As for deliberate IF during pregnancy, I did restaurant work with my first one and frequently went 10-12 hours without eating with no ill effect except every now and again I would get lightheaded and have to sit down and eat IMMEDIATELY. I think if you feel fine with IF, then go for it, listen to your body. It only happened to me 2-3 times over the course of my pregnancy, and it wasn't a huge problem to just sit and eat some crackers and soda, and then get moving again after about 5 min.

    Pregnancy and IF shouldn't be an issue as long as you are getting adequate nutrition in the shortened window. Be aware that in the 3rd trimester when the baby starts to crowd out your stomach it will become harder and harder to eat bigger meals, and that may be when you need to consider lengthening the eating window.
  • timtam163
    timtam163 Posts: 500 Member
    Nutritional studies on women are woefully inadequate; most IF studies are on post-menopausal women! This leaves out the possibility that IF may conflict with our biology at certain times of our cycle (I find it works great some weeks and terribly other weeks) and also glaringly leaves out lactating/pregnant women. I guess this is one of those cases of "listen to your body": if it feels wrong and you feel deprived, don't push through it.

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