Pregnant mothers must observe Karva Chauth with caution

Expecting mothers may be in a fix when it comes to observing a Karva Chauth fast -- choosing to be without water or food for hours altogether. But for those who are resolute about it, it's important to do it with some care.

Rhituparna Mitra, head - Content Strategy and Promotion, Babychakra.com, an online platform that connects parents to services and products to ease parenting, has shared tips:

* To begin with, seek the guidance of your gynaecologist before starting the fast as it may lead to hypertension and gestational diabetes. If you are in your first and third trimesters, it may be a little more difficult for you, but you can consider keeping a fast if you are in the second trimester.

In case you are keeping the fast, here's what you can do:

* A complete no-food, no-water fast is typically not recommended during pregnancy.

* You could start your day with 'sargi' and a big glass of milk so that you are not left hungry after the night's break.

* Your body needs continuous energy so eat fruits and fruit juices every two hours. Hydration is important, so consider coconut water.

* Pregnancy increases your normal eating urges. Since you would have been eating something or the other the entire day during your pregnancy, a diet consisting of just milk and fruits will seem like a fast to your body. If you experience acidity or fatigue at the end of the day, don't worry, it will get better as you resume your normal diet.

* Avoid high-calorie, fat-rich foods with excess sugar and salt to break your fast to keep problems such as gestational diabetes at bay.