top of page
Search

Eating in Labour

  • Writer: overthemoonbirthing
    overthemoonbirthing
  • Aug 20, 2021
  • 2 min read

Whether you eat and drink during labour could well affect how well your body performs during what is serious physical exercise. Sports scientists have shown that keeping hydrated and eating carbs helps your body to perform better and reduces the chance of ketosis. Ketones are produced when your body needs more energy so fats in your liver are broken down (and lots of ketones are known to slow/stall your labour).


A Cochrane review of research (2013) didn’t actually show any difference in women’s chance of spontaneous birth which is surprising, but a later bigger review by Ciardulli (2017) showed women able to eat/drink had a shorter labour by an average of 16 minutes.


Evidence or not, low-risk women (and I would say all women) SHOULD be encouraged to eat/drink as most indeed want to, feel better when they do, are less likely to report feeling exhausted and are more satisfied with their birth experience.


And don’t forget it is your body, you decide! Just because you are pregnant or having a baby, it does not mean you lose your human rights!


Why is it even an issue?


In the 1940s, Mendelson published a study linking eating/drinking with aspirating stomach contents during general anaesthesia – basically vomiting and then inhaling food/drink whilst put to sleep. This can cause serious lung problems and even death.


However, things have changed A LOT since then – general anaesthesia is a lot safer (women are now intubated to protect their airway and the airway is not removed until they wake) and it is rarely used now anyway as spinal anaesthesia and epidurals would usually be used instead.


Unfortunately, there have been no studies about women at higher risk of needing general anaesthesia eating/drinking, so the guidance does not advise offering food/drink. But I am in no doubt that all would certainly like to be offered it!


What might you eat or drink?


Isotonic non-fizzy sports drinks are a great source of energy. Isotonic means the same particulate concentration as blood and contain both sugars and salts to help rehydrate and give you energy. Did you know coconut water is a natural isotonic drink?


Carbs rich in energy such as bananas, flapjacks and energy bars are great food sources. It is particularly important to eat during early labour, as you need to keep your energy levels up (rest is also important!). Women in later labour may naturally not feel like eating much, although it is a good idea to keep having nibbles here and there!


And then the first food AFTER the baby is a whole other thing!


 
 
 

12件のコメント



zoxume
4月24日

This dental office exceeded my expectations. They run on time, explain procedures clearly, and make sure you’re comfortable at every step. I’ve been to emergency dental clinic etobicoke many dentists, and this one stands out for the way they treat their patients with care and respect.

いいね!

zoxume
4月24日

I was amazed by how clean and consistent the temperature https://www.masterstorage365.com/ was inside the unit. I stored some old electronics and a collection of comic books, and they came out just as I packed them. No warping, no mildew, just perfectly preserved items.

いいね!

zoxume
4月24日

It’s hard to know who to trust during a divorce, but I’m thankful I https://thesagelawgroup.ca/ found the right lawyer. They were transparent about everything—fees, process, risks—and helped keep me grounded. They were the calm voice I needed during a very emotional period.

いいね!

zoxume
4月24日

Everything about this guitar shop feels personal—from the https://jjmusicsales.com/ handwritten price tags to the way they greet you by name after one visit. I bought a secondhand Taylor here that’s now my go-to for every gig. Amazing vibe, friendly people, and great gear.

いいね!
Contact Joanna

Thanks for submitting!

Call Joanna

07973 478794

Follow me on

  • Instagram
  • Facebook Social Icon

@overthemoonbirthing

© 2024 by Over the Moon Birthing

bottom of page