Fasting During Pregnancy Poses Risks, Medical Professionals Caution
WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 12, 2025, 12:14:13 PM EDT – A growing trend of intermittent fasting and extended fasts has prompted urgent warnings from obstetricians and maternal health specialists regarding the potential dangers to both mother and developing baby.While fasting is increasingly popular for weight management and perceived health benefits, experts emphasize that nutritional needs dramatically increase during pregnancy, making any form of intentional caloric restriction potentially harmful.
The practice, which involves voluntarily abstaining from some or all food and drink for a set period, can lead to serious complications including gestational diabetes, premature birth, low birth weight, and even developmental issues in the child. Approximately 3.6 million babies are born in the United States annually, and with rising rates of pre-pregnancy fasting, healthcare providers are seeing a corresponding increase in related health concerns. The American Collage of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) maintains that pregnant individuals require a consistent intake of essential nutrients to support fetal growth and maternal health, and deliberately restricting calories can compromise this process.
“Pregnancy isn’t a time to experiment with diets,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at George Washington University Hospital. “The developing fetus is entirely reliant on the mother for nourishment. Depriving the body of necessary calories and nutrients can have devastating consequences, impacting the baby’s brain growth, organ function, and overall health trajectory.”
The risks are particularly acute during the first trimester, a critical period for organogenesis - the formation of the baby’s organs.Insufficient nutrient intake during this phase can lead to neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies. even in later stages, fasting can disrupt blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes, a condition that can lead to complications during labor and delivery, as well as long-term health problems for both mother and child.
While occasional nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy may lead to temporary reduced food intake, this is distinct from intentional fasting. Healthcare providers strongly advise pregnant individuals to consult with thier doctor or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to their diet. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet tailored to the specific needs of pregnancy remains the cornerstone of a healthy outcome. ACOG recommends a minimum of 300 extra calories per day during the second and third trimesters to support fetal growth.