The effect of Ramadan fasting on amniotic fluid volume.

OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the influence of Ramadan fasting on amniotic fluid volume. METHODS For this purpose 2 groups of fasting (n=28) and non-fasting (n=25) pregnant women were investigated for amniotic fluid index (AFI) and deepest vertical pocket of amniotic fluid in November (Ramadan month) of 2001-2002 in Kerman Prenatal Clinics in Kerman, Iran. Mean of gestational age based on the last menstrual period and ultrasound reports were 29.6 +/- 5.8 week and 29.5 +/- 4.2 week in fasting and non-fasting groups. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in age, gestational age, gravidity, parity and systolic/diastolic blood pressures. The mean deepest vertical pocket in fasting and non-fasting groups were 65.9 +/- 12.9 mm and 62.7 +/- 6.5 mm and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in this regard. Mean AFI in fasting group (189.9 +/- 35.9 mm) and in non-fasting group (166.8 +/- 25.3 mm) showed a significant difference (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSION Based on the results of the present study fasting in Ramadan has no significant effect on the decrease of AFI, deepest vertical pocket and amniotic fluid volume.