DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i05.035

Pages: 848-853

Background: Ramadan fasting is widely practiced among Muslim pregnant women despite religious exemptions during pregnancy. Concerns remain regarding the possible effects of prolonged fasting on maternal health, fetal growth and neonatal outcomes. Existing evidence regarding the impact of Ramadan fasting on pregnancy outcomes remains inconsistent, particularly in South Asian populations. Limited data are available from Bangladesh regarding short-term perinatal outcomes among fasting pregnant women. This study aimed to assess short-term perinatal outcomes among fasting and non-fasting pregnant women during Ramadan. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ad-din Momin Medical College Hospital, South Karaniganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from February to May 2026. A total of 60 pregnant women between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation were enrolled and divided equally into fasting and non-fasting groups. Maternal demographic characteristics, maternal clinical outcomes and neonatal outcomes were collected using a structured data sheet. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Mean maternal weight gain during Ramadan was significantly lower among fasting mothers compared to non-fasting mothers (1.3±0.7 kg vs 1.8±0.8 kg; p=0.014). Weight gain below 1 kg was more common among fasting mothers (36.7% vs 16.7%; p=0.048). Mean birth weight was slightly lower in the fasting group (2.89±0.36 kg vs 2.97±0.41 kg), although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.428). Rates of low birth weight, preterm birth, NICU admission and low Apgar score were comparable between groups. Conclusion: Ramadan fasting during pregnancy was associated with reduced maternal weight gain but was not significantly associated with adverse short-term perinatal outcomes among healthy pregnant women.