Imagine running a marathon and being told you can’t eat or drink for hours beforehand. I may not have run a marathon, but I have gone through childbirth two times. If someone had told me I couldn’t consume anything during those intense hours of labor, I would have been outraged.
Yet, many hospitals in the United States maintain a strict “no food or drink during labor” rule. Sure, you might be offered ice chips, but real food? Forget it.
I had the fortune of giving birth with a midwife outside of a hospital setting, where I was not only permitted to eat but actively encouraged to do so. During the early part of my first labor, when contractions were spaced apart, I savored a warm egg and cheese sandwich. For my second labor, I opted for a comforting bowl of cereal and milk. It was exactly the kind of nourishment I needed for the challenging moments ahead.
As my first labor progressed and it became increasingly intense, my midwife urged me to eat something since it had been eight hours since I last had a meal. At that point, I felt like I couldn’t possibly take anything in. She insisted, suggesting even a bit of soup or juice would do the trick. I managed to eat a few bites of soup before promptly throwing it up. But my midwife was pleased that I had at least tried—shortly after, I found the strength to push and gave birth to my son.
Years later, I attended a friend’s hospital birth, which was a completely different experience. She was not allowed to eat or drink during her labor, leaving her feeling hungry and frustrated. I watched as she munched on ice chips, wishing I could sneak her a snack to ease her discomfort.
Fortunately, attitudes toward this issue are shifting. In 2015, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommended that laboring women be allowed to eat and drink whenever possible. This change comes after reviewing 385 studies published since 1990, which revealed that the risks of eating during labor are minimal. In fact, withholding food and drink can prolong labor, something no one wants to experience.
The ASA also pointed out that not eating can lead to emotional distress, which may divert blood flow away from the uterus and placenta, contributing to longer labors and fetal distress. It’s quite clear: forcing a woman to abstain from food during labor can feel like torture, especially when she is doing some of the hardest work of her life.
While there are specific cases where high-risk women should avoid food, like those with eclampsia or preeclampsia, the guidelines should be reconsidered for healthy, low-risk women. It’s crucial for these women to consult with their healthcare providers about the possibility of eating and drinking during labor.
After chatting with a few friends who recently gave birth, it seems that only a handful of hospitals have begun to adapt their policies in light of these findings. Many are still lagging behind. Let’s hope they catch up soon because when a woman needs to eat, especially while bringing a baby into the world, she deserves that right.
If you find yourself facing a “no food” policy in labor but consider yourself low-risk, don’t hesitate to bring the ASA report to your next prenatal appointment. It may open a conversation about your needs. And if you do get the green light to nibble on a protein bar or slice of toast during labor, you’ll be thankful for every calorie, even if some of it ends up coming back up. Trust me, you’ll need each little bit of energy for the incredible, life-changing work ahead.
For more insights on pregnancy, check out this excellent resource at Healthline. And if you’re interested in exploring home insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination; they offer great advice on the topic. Additionally, for couples’ fertility journeys, make sure to check out this guide on artificial insemination kits.
Summary
The article advocates for allowing women to eat and drink during labor, highlighting the benefits of nourishment for energy and emotional well-being. With new recommendations from the American Society of Anesthesiologists, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to reconsider outdated policies that withhold food from laboring mothers. Women should feel empowered to discuss their needs with their providers and seek a more supportive birthing experience.