Why Hydration and Nutrition Are Key for Pregnant Women During Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja, being an absolute spiritual celebration, is all about fasting and rituals that reconnect families with nature and the divine power of the Sun. For pregnant women, the festival is full of happiness but also brings some challenges, particularly in maintaining hydration and nutrition. Though the festival has its own charm, pregnancy is a sensitive period that requires special care. Knowing how to balance religious duties with health care is important for both the mother and the baby.

Why Chhath Puja Calls for Greater Care of a Pregnant Woman?

Chhath Puja is characterised by fasting for long hours, standing in water, and performing rituals, which might be physically exhausting. The body during pregnancy is a heavy-duty machine. The changes in hormones, the increase in blood volume, and the nutritional needs of the baby make the mother more vulnerable to dehydration, dizziness, and fatigue.

It is a fact that most pregnant women would like to go through with the ceremonies entirely, but still, it is necessary to emphasise the need to put health first. Slightly neglecting hydration and nutrition at this time can cause a decrease in one’s energy and general health. This is why doctors usually recommend that a fast be altered and that one only symbolically takes part in the fast.

Hydration Importance in Pregnancy

Hydration in pregnancy is not merely a suggestion-it is necessary. During pregnancy, a woman’s body requires more water to keep the blood supply at an increased level, to maintain amniotic fluid volume, and to carry nutrients to the baby. Lack of fluids during Chhath Puja, particularly when fasting has been going on for a long time and the rituals are held outside, may result in headache, fatigue, cramps in the legs, and a decrease in amniotic fluid.

Pregnant women must make sure that they drink enough water before the performance of the rituals, even though the fast is changed. Besides water, there are other equally good choices like coconut water, lemon water, ORS, and fresh fruit juices (without added sugar), which are very efficient in restoring electrolyte balance. The reason why people take water is to cool their bodies and this is also the case during the daytime rituals of Chhath, where water helps to keep the body from getting too hot.

Nutrition in Pregnancy During Chhath Puja

During the festival, the importance of nutrition for pregnant women is doubled. Pregnant ladies have to consume proteins, good fats, do take vitamins, and minerals because the baby growing inside needs all these things. If you are going to the puja, ask the doctor about how to fast in a way that is safe for you.

In case of partial fasting, take energising and nutritive foods in the only permitted meal:

• Fruits: banana, apple, pomegranate, etc.

• Good carbohydrates like sweet potato, rice, and sattu

• Iron-rich vegetables, for example: spinach and beetroot

• Proteins such as cooked lentils, paneer, and boiled eggs (if your diet is non-vegetarian)

• Nuts and seeds, which are good sources of fats

• Milk and dairy products containing calcium

These kinds of food give energy that is slowly released, help in keeping blood sugar levels stable, and prevent getting tired. The significance of pregnancy nutrition during Chhath Puja cannot be ruled out -after all, your body is feeding two.

Why Nutrition Matters More During Festivals?

During festivals, the lifestyle of people is usually transformed-late nights, more physical work, and irregular meal timings. For pregnant women, such changes may lead to drops in blood sugar and energy levels. Following a well-balanced diet will help keep off symptoms of nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Nutritious meals also contribute to the baby’s brain, bone, and immune system development.

Healthy Chhath Puja Tips for Expectant Mothers

In order to celebrate the festival safely and at the same time take care of your health, you may consider these healthy Chhath Puja tips for expecting mothers.

1. See your doctor before carrying out the plan

Every pregnancy is different. If you plan on changing fasting or rituals, always get medical advice.

2. Don’t stand for a long time

You can comfortably sit down and do the Arghya ceremony if necessary.

3. Be well hydrated before the rituals start

Throughout the day that leads to the puja, make sure you have taken enough water.

4. Go for nutrient-rich foods

Consume well-balanced meals full of fibre, iron, and protein.

5. Obey your body

If you experience dizziness, extreme tiredness, or any kind of discomfort, stop immediately and relax.

6. If you must, do the symbolic part of the work

Joining the prayers is possible even if you don’t wish to follow the fasting strictly or engage in other demanding activities.

Final Thoughts

Chhath Puja festival is all about devotion, but looking after your health is another form of worship, especially if you are nurturing a new life. Pregnancy must be supported through adequate fluid intake and nutrition, which are the two pillars of a healthy pregnancy and during such an intense festival like Chhath, these are even more indispensable. With wise decisions and a well-balanced attitude, expectant mothers will be able to celebrate the Chhath spirit and at the same time protect their own health and that of their ‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌baby.