Ms. Keiko Nakano, RNM in Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health
How long pregnant women fast overnight may affect their blood sugar control. This study examined 144 pregnant women in Tokyo to understand the relationship between overnight fasting duration, meal frequency, and metabolic health markers during the second trimester. Participants completed questionnaires about their eating patterns and provided blood samples to measure lipid profiles and glycated albumin (a marker of blood sugar control).
The study found that women who fasted longer overnight (average 12 hours) had better blood sugar control, as indicated by lower glycated albumin levels. This suggests that the timing of meals—not just what and how much women eat—matters for pregnancy health.
Meal timing is an emerging focus in pregnancy health management. Ensuring appropriate overnight fasting duration may help manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which is crucial for both maternal and fetal health. However, it is important to note that excessively long fasting periods can be harmful, and eating breakfast is essential for maternal and infant health. Therefore, overnight fasting duration should be tailored to individual circumstances.
Access the full paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39876615/