Can you eat during labour?

In this brief article, we are going to answer the question “can you eat during labor?”. We will also discuss what to eat during labor. In the end, we will discuss what things to avoid during labor.

Can you eat during labor?

Yes, you can eat during labor if you have low risk of obstetric problems. Women may benefit from a modest meal in the early stages of labor.

Labor requires a lot of effort and might take a while. Some women may not feel like eating while giving birth because of nausea and vomiting. While, others do grow hungry, particularly those who have been in labor for a long time and have only eaten ice chips.

Women who are having a planned C-section are given specific instructions not to eat or drink anything for a predetermined period of time before the procedure.

Abstain from food and liquids once labor has begun if you are at high risk for a C-section due to repeated pregnancies, health issues, or a previous C-section.

You can take moderate amounts of liquid such as water, tea, black coffee, juice, fizzy drinks, broths, applesauce, popsicles, or toast might be acceptable during early labor while you’re still at home. But not solid foods as they exacerbate the aspiration reaction in the lungs, which can happen very rarely.

According to research, healthy women with low-risk pregnancies shouldn’t need to fast anymore during birth. A light supper may actually help women maintain their energy levels throughout labor.

Under general anesthesia during pregnancy, aspiration risk is enhanced. When food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs, aspiration happens. It may result in death or a serious inflammatory response. You are urged to fast before surgery because of this.

Pregnant women are more likely to aspirate because their stomach is under upward pressure due to the larger uterus.

By abstaining from meals and liquids during labor, you could lower the capacity of your stomach and lower your risk of experiencing issues from stomach acid aspiration while you’re under general anesthesia.

Chemical pneumonitis, another name for aspiration of stomach acids, can be harmful to the lungs. This type of aspiration is also known as Mendelson’s syndrome when it happens after anesthesia.

Can you drink water during labor?

Women who are carrying healthy babies are allowed to consume moderate amounts of clear liquids including water, juices, carbonated drinks, tea, and black coffee during labor.

Coconut water is a fantastic provider of electrolytes and a delicious, nutritious choice for staying hydrated in the early stages of labor.

Bone broth, which is nutrient-rich and beneficial for nausea and hazy, diluted apple juice is also allowed. Red raspberry popsicles made without sugar, or frozen red raspberry ice cubes with honey can also be sucked.

During labor, a raspberry leaf tea is excellent and can subtly induce productive contractions.

Consuming juicy fruits like cucumbers and watermelon will help you stay more hydrated. Ice-cold watermelon is also incredibly hydrating.

Electrolytes, which are necessary for muscular (uterine) contractions, are provided by lemon lime as a labor aid. This is especially helpful during vigorous labor.

What to eat during labor?

There are still suggestions that could be helpful for women with low-risk pregnancies who are permitted to eat and drink during delivery. As labor advances, it’s probable that you’ll get nauseous, so you should normally limit how much food and liquid you consume.

Choose foods that are simple to digest without too much spice or fat if you are still at home and in the early stages of labor.

For energy, consume complex carbohydrates. Consider options like brown rice, oats, multigrain toast or snacks, whole grain products, and broth noodles.

Fruit that has been frozen, such as berries, grapes, etc., can be a tasty treat.

Choose proteins to keep your energy levels up as well. Think of protein drinks, cheese, Greek yogurt, nut butter, and protein-packed smoothies.

Even when you’re pushing the baby out, foods like honey sticks or the energy gels consumed by marathon runners can be excellent options.

You may only be permitted to take water, clear beverages, and ice chips during later labor. To stay hydrated, try to frequently take little sips between contractions.

What things to avoid during labor?

Some meals and beverages to avoid while giving birth include food with high sugar and fat content. Orange juice is also avoided because if vomiting follows ingestion, the acidity may result in an upset stomach or burning.

Don’t eat things like steak, fries, or hamburgers. Because these reduce how quickly your muscles consume sugar-derived energy.

Although foods high in sugar may give you a temporary energy boost when your energy has peaked, you may feel exhausted and queasy. Avoid meals like cakes, pastries, and doughnuts.

Avoid eating spicy food in the early stages of labor to prevent diarrhea, which is unpleasant.

Do not consume sports drinks that include high fructose corn syrup and artificial food colors.

Conclusion

In this brief article, we answered the question “can you eat during labor?”. We also discussed what to eat during labor. In the end, we discussed what things to avoid during labor.

References

https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2015/11/eating-a-light-meal-during-labor

https://utswmed.org/medblog/eating-during-labor

https://www.verywellfamily.com/should-we-eat-or-drink-in-labor-