Going for long periods without eating during pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and baby. However, sometimes pregnancy nausea and vomiting makes eating normally challenging. Understanding how long a pregnant woman can safely go without eating and what effects this can have is important.
How Long Can a Pregnant Woman Go Without Eating?
There is no definitive answer for how long a pregnant woman can go without eating, as every woman and pregnancy is different. However, some general guidelines are:
- A pregnant woman should not go more than 2-3 hours without eating something.
- Going 4-6 hours without eating may result in low blood sugar which can cause dizziness, weakness, nausea, sweating, anxiety, headache and rapid heartbeat.
- Going 8-12 hours without eating could cause ketones to develop as the body breaks down fat for energy. Ketones crossing the placenta can negatively impact baby’s development.
- Going 24 hours without eating may lead to starved tissues as glucose stores become extremely depleted. If repeated often, starvation ketosis can occur.
The effects of going without eating depend on the pregnant woman’s nutritional status before fasting, how long the fast lasts, and if she is properly hydrated. However, every pregnant woman should aim to eat small, frequent meals every 2-3 hours.
Effects on the Mother
Going for extended periods without eating can have the following negative effects on a pregnant woman:
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar can occur after going just 4-6 hours without eating. This can cause dizziness, heart palpitations, nausea, sweating, weakness and anxiety.
- Starvation ketosis: After 12-24 hours without food, the body increases ketone production. High levels can cause nausea, dehydration, weakness, and ketoacidosis.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Lack of protein, calories, vitamins and minerals from ongoing fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
- Dehydration: Vomiting and diarrhea from severe morning sickness makes dehydration more likely when not eating.
- Weight loss: Inadequate calories can cause excessive weight loss and failure to gain an appropriate amount during pregnancy.
- Fatigue: Lack of calories from fasting can worsen common fatigue experienced during pregnancy.
Going for longer periods without food when pregnant can also increase risks during delivery for issues like:
- Anemia
- Hemorrhage
- Poor wound healing
- Infections
- Difficulty with labor
Effects on the Baby
When a pregnant woman fasts for extended periods, less nutrients reach the developing baby. Potential effects include:
- Low amniotic fluid: Dehydration and lack of calories can lower the amniotic fluid volume.
- Low birth weight: Inadequate maternal nutrition is a major cause of low birth weight babies.
- Preterm birth: Poor placenta function from maternal fasting may cause early labor.
- Birth defects: Lack of nutrients like folic acid early in pregnancy increases risk for neural tube defects.
- Stillbirth: Prolonged fasting doubles the risk of stillbirth.
- Miscarriage: Severe hyperemesis gravidarum early in pregnancy can increase miscarriage risk.
Later effects may include increased risks for:
- Cognitive or developmental delays
- Diabetes and obesity
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
Proper nutrition is crucial for optimal fetal brain development and lifelong health.
When to Seek Medical Care
Pregnant women who experience severe nausea, vomiting or food aversion that prevent normal eating for more than 24-48 hours should consult their doctor.
Signs that warrant urgent medical care include:
- Ketones present in urine
- Rapid weight loss or inadequate weight gain
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Abdominal pain or contractions
- Dizziness or fainting
Doctors can provide IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, anti-nausea medication, and nutrition through a feeding tube or IV if needed. Hospitalization may be required for severe cases to monitor and correct the effects of prolonged fasting and dehydration.
Tips for Eating When Nauseous
To help a pregnant woman who feels too nauseous to eat normal meals follow these tips:
- Eat small, frequent meals every 2-3 hours instead of 3 large meals.
- Avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods that can trigger nausea.
- Eat blander foods like crackers, plain potatoes, rice, toast, oatmeal, applesauce, bananas or yogurt.
- Drink fluids between meals instead of during so as not to fill up.
- Get plenty of rest and eat slowly.
- Try cold foods, which may be better tolerated.
- Eat high protein snacks like nuts, eggs or cheese before bed to avoid hypoglycemia.
- Consider natural anti-nausea remedies like ginger, mint, lemon or vitamin B6.
- Keep safe snacks like nuts, protein bars or yogurt nearby at all times.
Despite nausea, pregnant women should do their best to eat nutritious foods and take prenatal vitamins. Seeking medical treatment for severe vomiting can help ensure adequate calorie and nutrient intake.
Foods to Eat When Nauseous
The BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast – are bland foods less likely to trigger nausea:
| Food | Example |
|---|---|
| Bananas | Sliced bananas or banana popsicles |
| Rice | Plain white rice, rice cereal or crackers |
| Applesauce | Unsweetened applesauce or apple slices |
| Toast | Dry toast or toast with jam |
Other bland foods that help settle the stomach include:
- Yogurt or cottage cheese
- Boiled potatoes without skin
- Cooked cereal like cream of wheat or oatmeal
- Chicken noodle soup or vegetable broth
- Hard boiled eggs
- Cold cereal with milk
- Jell-o
- Popsicles
Avoiding spicy, fried, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks that can trigger nausea like citrus, caffeine, or alcohol. Eating small amounts of simple proteins and complex carbs helps minimize nausea.
Conclusion
While recommendations vary, most experts advise pregnant women not go more than 2-4 hours without eating something. Prolonged periods without food can lead to hypoglycemia, dehydration, ketonuria and nutrient deficiencies in the mother. This also increases risks for low birth weight, preterm delivery, birth defects and more.
Managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy through medication, hydration and appropriate food choices is key. Pregnant women unable to keep down food for over 24 hours should see a doctor to get IV fluids and nutrition to prevent complications. Consuming blander foods like BRAT foods, crackers, plain protein sources and popsicles can provide needed calories when nauseous until the baby safely arrives.