Does a small piece of kunafa after iftar really make a difference? Is a glass of Qamar al-Din just a harmless Ramadan tradition?
Ramadan tables are filled with delicious desserts that have become a daily ritual. However, for a pregnant woman, the issue goes beyond enjoyment — it directly affects both her health and her baby’s well-being.
Dr. Amal Azmi, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, explains that pregnancy requires a delicate nutritional balance: enjoying the spirit of Ramadan while avoiding excessive sugar intake that may increase the risk of obesity and metabolic complications.
The Pregnant Woman’s Need for Balanced Nutrition
During pregnancy, the body needs:
Protein
Iron
Calcium
Vitamins
Complex carbohydrates
Excess sugar does not truly restore energy after fasting. Instead, it causes rapid spikes in blood glucose followed by sudden crashes. These fluctuations may lead to:
Fatigue
Sluggishness
Irritability
Increased strain on the pancreas
Since Ramadan shifts eating into two main meals (iftar and suhoor), loading these meals with simple sugars creates sharp glucose rises and drops — placing extra stress on metabolism.
The Impact of Traditional Ramadan Desserts
Popular sweets such as kunafa, qatayef, and baklava share similar nutritional characteristics:
High in sugar
Rich in saturated fats
Low in essential nutrients
They provide high calories with limited nutritional value.
Excessive consumption may lead to:
Excessive weight gain
Increased risk of gestational diabetes
Indigestion and heartburn
Bloating and discomfort
Gestational Diabetes Risk
Gestational diabetes is one of the most significant risks associated with high sugar intake during pregnancy. While multiple factors contribute to its development, a diet rich in simple sugars can worsen the risk, particularly in women already predisposed.
Moderation is key.
Are Sweets Completely Forbidden?
No — but they are not daily essentials either.
A reasonable portion for a pregnant woman:
One small to medium piece
2–3 times per week maximum
Helpful tips:
Share one portion instead of eating a full serving alone.
Avoid combining multiple types of sweets on the same day.
Always include sweets within a balanced meal containing protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice or whole-grain bread).
This approach helps maintain blood sugar stability without feelings of deprivation.
The Best Time to Eat Sweets
It is preferable to:
Eat dessert after iftar
Wait 1–2 hours after the main meal
Avoid eating sweets on an empty stomach
Protein and fiber slow sugar absorption and reduce glucose spikes.
Avoid Sweets at Suhoor
Eating sweets at suhoor may:
Increase thirst during fasting hours
Cause daytime blood sugar fluctuations
Trigger early hunger due to rapid sugar crashes
If craving dessert, include it as part of a balanced iftar — not suhoor.
How Different Types of Sweets Affect the Body
Traditional Fried Desserts
High in calories and fats. Opt for baked versions when possible.
Ramadan Drinks (e.g., Qamar al-Din, Tamarind)
Although they appear natural, they often contain high amounts of added sugar. Sugary drinks are absorbed faster than solid sweets, causing quicker blood sugar spikes. Diluting with water and avoiding added sugar is recommended.
Sweet Pastries
Combine sugar, fats, and refined carbohydrates — heavier on digestion, especially after long fasting hours.
Overconsumption Risks
Excess sweets may contribute to:
Increased risk of gestational diabetes
Iron absorption issues
Constipation, heartburn, bloating
Fatigue instead of energy
These effects may seem mild at first but accumulate over time.
The Effect on the Baby
A mother’s diet directly influences fetal growth.
Excessive sugar intake may:
Increase the likelihood of having a larger-than-average baby (macrosomia), which can complicate delivery
Affect fetal glucose balance
Influence long-term metabolic programming
This means the impact extends beyond pregnancy — it may shape the child’s future metabolic health.
Healthier Sweet Alternatives
Pregnant women can still enjoy sweetness in safer ways:
Fresh fruit (moderate portions)
Dried fruit in small amounts
Yogurt with dates or a small amount of natural honey
Homemade baked desserts sweetened with dates
Small portions of raw nuts
These options provide nutrients along with energy — not just empty calories.
Final Thought
Ramadan sweets are a seasonal pleasure — not a nutritional necessity.
A pregnant woman is not deprived, but she carries responsibility. Moderation, timing, and quality choices are the keys to a healthy Ramadan for both mother and baby.
Before reaching for a second piece, ask yourself:
Am I eating because I am hungry — or because it is a habit?
An honest answer may be the first step toward a healthier, safer Ramadan for you and your child.
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