" Hello doctor, I would like some advice and guidance from a fertility doctor. I would like to try for a baby, but I am fasting with no water and food for around 13 to 14 hours. Here are a few questions I would like to ask: Is it safe for me to fast while trying for a baby? I know it is not recommended to fast once pregnant. But what is the correct guidance around when trying to conceive? Can fasting increase the risk of miscarriage or problems? I also finished my period tomorrow and was on a 34-day cycle last round, but this time around a 30-day cycle. When can I expect ovulation, roughly? Will fasting negatively affect partner sperm? I am taking folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin C and eating healthily. I am also in the correct weight range of BMI (body mass index). Please help.

" Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. I am glad to help you. Fasting while trying to conceive (TTC) is possible, but it is important to do it safely to support your fertility. Here are some key points to consider: Choose the right type of fasting: Intermittent fasting (IF) is generally safe, but prolonged fasting may affect hormone balance. If you are doing religious fasting, make sure to stay hydrated and eat nutrient-dense foods during eating hours. Balance your nutrients: Your body needs enough nutrients to support ovulation and implantation. Ensure you are getting: Protein: Present in lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, and lentils. Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish. Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, sweet potatoes, and fruits. Iron and folic Acid: Spinach, fortified cereals, and prenatal vitamins. Avoid extreme caloric deficits: Eating too little can affect ovulation and hormone levels. If you notice irregular periods or delayed ovulation, adjust your fasting routine. Hydration and electrolytes: Drink plenty of water outside fasting hours. Coconut water or homemade electrolyte drinks can help maintain mineral balance. Monitor your cycle: Track ovulation using applications, basal body temperature (BBT), or ovulation predictor kits (OPKs). If fasting affects your cycle (delayed ovulation, irregular periods), consider modifying your approach. Exercise moderation: Avoid high-intensity workouts while fasting, as they can increase stress hormones and affect fertility. Choose for light exercises like walking, yoga, or strength training. Consider medical advice: If you have conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), irregular cycles, or difficulty conceiving, consult a doctor before fasting. I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries. Thank you.

" Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Here are the answers to your questions: Yes, you can replace fish with meat or chicken. Fasting can increase male sperm count and quality and does not decrease. Incline walk at treadmill does not decrease implantation chance. Fasting is good for the body and the mind too. You can do fasting and conceive at the same time. Fasting does not decrease your chances. I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries. Thank you.

How long is fasting accepted while planning for a baby?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I would like some advice and guidance from a fertility doctor. I would like to try for a baby, but I am fasting with no water and food for around 13 to 14 hours.

Here are a few questions I would like to ask:

Is it safe for me to fast while trying for a baby?
I know it is not recommended to fast once pregnant. But what is the correct guidance around when trying to conceive?
Can fasting increase the risk of miscarriage or problems?
I also finished my period tomorrow and was on a 34-day cycle last round, but this time around a 30-day cycle. When can I expect ovulation, roughly?
Will fasting negatively affect partner sperm?

I am taking folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin C and eating healthily. I am also in the correct weight range of BMI (body mass index).

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am glad to help you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Grateful for your help in answering my concerns above.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am glad to help you.

Fasting while trying to conceive (TTC) is possible, but it is important to do it safely to support your fertility. Here are some key points to consider:

Choose the right type of fasting:

Intermittent fasting (IF) is generally safe, but prolonged fasting may affect hormone balance.
If you are doing religious fasting, make sure to stay hydrated and eat nutrient-dense foods during eating hours.

Balance your nutrients:

Your body needs enough nutrients to support ovulation and implantation. Ensure you are getting:

Protein: Present in lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, and lentils.
Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish.
Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, sweet potatoes, and fruits.
Iron and folic Acid: Spinach, fortified cereals, and prenatal vitamins.

Avoid extreme caloric deficits:

Eating too little can affect ovulation and hormone levels.
If you notice irregular periods or delayed ovulation, adjust your fasting routine.

Hydration and electrolytes:

Drink plenty of water outside fasting hours.
Coconut water or homemade electrolyte drinks can help maintain mineral balance.

Monitor your cycle:

Track ovulation using applications, basal body temperature (BBT), or ovulation predictor kits (OPKs).
If fasting affects your cycle (delayed ovulation, irregular periods), consider modifying your approach.

Exercise moderation:

Avoid high-intensity workouts while fasting, as they can increase stress hormones and affect fertility.
Choose for light exercises like walking, yoga, or strength training.

Consider medical advice:

If you have conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), irregular cycles, or difficulty conceiving, consult a doctor before fasting.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for answering my questions.

I have a few more questions to ask:

I do not eat fish. Can I cover this with lean meat such as chicken and eggs and lentils, as you mentioned? Will that be enough?
Also, are you saying it is safe to try to conceive while doing religious fasting? So long as I eat well and keep hydrated during eating hours?
Does fasting affect male sperm? Negatively?
Also, in my last round, I did incline walking at 15 percent during my two-week wait period. Could this have affected implantation?
Is coconut water safe to drink while conceiving due to sugar content?

I had a previous miscarriage last year. That is why I want to be sure fasting would not cause me issues if I try for a baby.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Here are the answers to your questions:

Yes, you can replace fish with meat or chicken.
Fasting can increase male sperm count and quality and does not decrease.
Incline walk at treadmill does not decrease implantation chance.
Fasting is good for the body and the mind too.
You can do fasting and conceive at the same time.
Fasting does not decrease your chances.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks you. So it is safe to fast for 13 hours and it will not effect the pregnancy if it happens?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, it is safe.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you.

So I will fast without worry and try for baby. That is correct?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, you can try to concieve.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your help.

I was concerned if fasting could cause miscarriage due to calorie deficit. Fasting does not increase risk of miscarriage, right and fasting for 14 hours is not considered prolonged fasting?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, if you stay one week without eating, then it will increase the risk, but regular fasting does not affect it.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

You mean one week without eating continuously? Please help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

No, religious fasting is very safe.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I will continue to try for baby without worry while fasting.

Can I also ask does using Clotrimazole, internal cream for vaginal thrush also known as Canestan- is that safe to use while trying for baby? If so, how many days after using medicine is it then safe to resume trying for baby?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you. Would you mind answering my above questions.

Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Clotrimazole is safe during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks you. I should be fine.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I began trying for a baby last month. My menstrual cycle is usually 34 days on average. This time my period arrived at the end of February at 30 days. My period usually lasts about five days but does not fully clear until seven days. And I usually see brown discharge towards the end. But this time it is day eight. And although I am not bleeding have no use for pads. This morning I noticed a bit of light red blood on the toilet paper when I wiped. I did not see this yesterday at all. It is not even brown. Now, I do not know if this is normal. My period started last Friday, and it is Friday today. My period has been strange after I began trying for a baby last month. Is this something serious?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You should do an ultrasound to see if there is something serious.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had an ultrasound five months back. It was normal.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Vaginal or abdominal?

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Abdominal scan was taken recently and before had taken vaginal scan also. Could it be the ending of my period? As I noticed slightly more bleed this month. But this is definitely not pregnancy?

Please help.