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Can I fast while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Weight Loss for Women · 2 min read · Nov 22, 2025

Pregnancy:

Fasting during pregnancy is not recommended. Growing a baby increases your nutritional needs by around 300 to 450 calories per day. So you need to drink enough water and eat a healthy balanced diet, so you and your baby get the nutrients you need. Considering those risks, your best bet is most likely to steer clear of fasting while you're pregnant.

Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding bumps up your energy needs even more than pregnancy. Nursing moms should take in around 450 to 500 extra calories per day — which can be tough to do while fasting.

Postpartum:

It's not a good idea to fast immediately after giving birth, while mom and baby are still recovering from delivery and establishing maternal milk supply. Following a healthy breastfeeding diet is crucial, so fasting for any extended period of time isn't good for you or your baby.

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