Effects of Fasting During Pregnancy on Maternal and Fetal Weight and Body Composition in Well-Nourished and Undernourished Rats

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Abstract
The effect of a 2-day fast on fetal and maternal weight and composition was determined in ad libitum-fed and food-restricted pregnant and nonpregnant rats. Fasting between days 17 and 19 of gestation resulted in a greater loss of net maternal body weight in ad libitum-fed pregnant than in nonpregnant rats and also a greater loss of body fat. In contrast, food-restricted pregnant rats, also fasted from day 17 to day 19 of gestation, maintained their net body weight and body fat during the fast as did nonpregnant rats fasted for the same length of time. Fetal weight was not significantly reduced by fasting in the ad libitum-fed rats but was reduced by 25% in the previously food-restricted rats. The results demonstrate that prior maternal nutritional status strongly influences the effects of fasting on the fetus and that maternal nutrient stores are not mobilized for fetal utilization even when fetal growth is markedly impaired.