Eid al-Adha: Important Tips for Pregnant Women

Eid al-Adha is a joyful occasion eagerly awaited by Muslims every year, marked by traditional rituals such as animal sacrifice, feasts, and large family gatherings. However, pregnant women should take precautions to safely share this happiness with their families without risking their health or that of their baby. It is essential for them to carefully follow their doctor’s advice and adhere to healthy dietary guidelines.

Another important aspect for maintaining the health of both mother and fetus during Eid is travel. Pregnant women should carefully consider their stage of pregnancy before deciding to travel. Dr. Assem Mansour, a professor of gynecology and obstetrics, provides several recommendations for pregnant women during this period.

Essential Dietary Tips:

• Avoid fatty and fried foods during Eid. Instead, opt for grilled or steamed meats and consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, aiding digestion and providing energy.

• Limit sweets and carbonated drinks. Pregnant women can enjoy sweets in moderation but should avoid excess. Drinking enough water is crucial to stay hydrated and maintain the baby’s health.

• Avoid lying down immediately after eating. It’s better to wait several hours and eat small, frequent meals to prevent nausea and heartburn.

• Drink green tea, which contains antioxidants beneficial for both mother and baby, along with other natural sugar-free beverages.

Additional Recommendations:

• Engage in light exercise such as walking or swimming to improve circulation and reduce back pain.

• Ensure adequate rest to avoid fatigue.

• Avoid exposure to radiation sources, such as certain electrical devices and mobile phones.

• Stay away from smoky environments, as passive smoking harms both mother and fetus.

• Avoid allergenic foods if you have known allergies.

• Limit liver consumption to a maximum of 200 grams once during Eid, especially in the first trimester. Avoid raw liver entirely.

• Reduce starch intake like traditional dishes such as “fetteh” and “raqaq,” and prioritize vegetables. Avoid strenuous household chores to protect your pregnancy and joints.

• Eat small portions of meat with a large salad containing leafy greens (parsley, celery, cucumber), which help absorb fat and eliminate excess water.

Foods to Avoid:

• Raw or undercooked eggs, which may carry salmonella bacteria causing fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Sushi, due to the risk of parasites.

• Certain fish high in mercury, including swordfish, shark, catfish, and canned tuna.

• Processed meats like sausages and deli meats, containing nitrates and additives linked to brain tumors and diabetes.

Safe Foods to Consume:

• Whole grains (bread, rice, pasta, wheat, oats), rich in fiber and minerals, to prevent constipation.

• Low-fat dairy products (milk, yogurt), essential for calcium and fetal bone development.

• Fruits and vegetables (at least six servings daily), rich in vitamins, including vitamin C that helps tissue repair and iron absorption.

• Lean meats, fish, and eggs, especially fatty fish like sardines and tuna rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support fetal brain development.

Additional Important Advice:

• Avoid excessive fats, especially in lamb meat.

• Do not force yourself to eat large quantities, especially during early and late pregnancy.

• Drink plenty of water, especially after protein-rich meals.

• Pair meat with salad and vitamin C-rich juices (guava, orange) to maximize iron absorption.

Travel Tips for Pregnant Women:

• Avoid trips longer than 5 hours.

• Prefer travel between the 14th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, the safest period.

• Avoid traveling to areas with high risk of diseases like Zika and malaria.

• Eat regularly, avoid gas-producing foods, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and contractions.

• Wear the seatbelt correctly below the belly.

• Ask the driver to make frequent stops to stretch your legs.

• Have travel insurance covering medical emergencies and carry your medical records.

• Consult your doctor before traveling, especially abroad.

• Bring snacks and water to avoid hunger and dehydration.

• Travel light and wear comfortable clothing.

• Rest as much as possible during the trip.

• Move frequently to reduce the risk of blood clots.