Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long lasting maternal fasting on fetal biometry, amniotic fluid volume, fetal doppler parameters, neonatal outcomes.
Methods: Eighty-two healthy and otherwise normal pregnant women with gestational ages greater or equal to 29 weeks by their last menstrual period who were on at least 20 days of fasting were included in the study group. The control group was formed by eighty-seven healthy non-fasting women matched for age, parity, gestational age. The groups were compared for perinatal outcomes.
Results: There were no significant difference between groups in regard to fetal biometry, fetal doppler parameters (middle cerebral artery doppler, umbilical artery doppler and ratio of the dopplers) and neonatal outcomes (birth weight, gestational age at delivery, type of delivery, neonatal intensive care unit admission). However there was a significant relation with decreased amniotic fluid index in the fasting group.
Conclusion: The fetal development, Doppler parameters and neonatal outcomes were not sinificantly affected in healthy fasting women. However, in the fasting group, the association was found to be significant for the decrease in the amniotic fluid index. These findings mandate more frequent follow-up visits in this group.
