To eat or not to eat during labor? That is the question — and the answer depends on whom you're talking to. Although some practitioners still say no way to food once contractions begin, many others believe that eating is fine during labor (especially in the early stages, and often all the way through), as long as you're sticking with fluids and snacks instead of a steak dinner. (Not that you'd be much in the mood for much once those stronger contractions kick in.)
So poll your practitioner, and get his or her take on the labor eating debate. Chances are, your doctor will be on board with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' (ACOG) guidelines: It's okay for moms-to-be to drink clear liquids if they're having uncomplicated labors. But he or she may still draw the line at solid foods (like toast).
Why do some practitioners recommend not eating during labor?
Why the eating ban in the first place? It was based on the long-held theory that food or acid in the digestive tract might be aspirated if you need emergency anesthesia. But not only are you unlikely to need such anesthesia, which is no longer used for Cesareans, studies have also shown the aspiration rate to be minuscule.
Another reason why many practitioners are more likely to okay snacking during labor: Some research has shown that labor is shorter — an average of 16 minutes shorter — in women who are allowed eating privileges. After all, labor lives up to its name. It's hard work, and hard work requires fuel. Laboring on empty can make it tough to summon up the strength for those last pushes.
If your practitioner gives the thumbs-down to ingesting anything at all when you hoped for a different answer, consider offering up the evidence (including those ACOG guidelines); but if he or she still says no, it's best to heed that advice.
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Solid foods your practitioner may allow during labor
If you do get the go-ahead on eating during labor, think small, and if your practitioner has suggestions, try to stick with them. In general, light snacks can keep your energy up, and liquids will keep you hydrated. Stick with the following:
- Toast with jam: Bland but sustaining, it'll give you a good energy kick (choose whole-grain toast for an even longer-lasting one) without straining your digestive system. Skip the butter, though, and the peanut butter.
- Plain pasta: It's not the time to partake in a plate full of penne (especially not one tossed with Bolognese), but a small scoop of perfectly plain pasta can be precisely the bland snack you're looking for. Plus, it's a good way to carbo-load for this type of athletic event.
- Applesauce or Jell-O: There's always room for these. They go down easy and offer the energy boost you'll need for those more-challenging delivery room moments.
- Popsicles or sorbet: Try sucking on an ice pop. It'll keep you hydrated, give you a little jolt of energy and, if it's actually made with fruit, you'll be cramming in a few last-minute vitamins. (Hey, it's never too late for those!) Plus, it makes for a better choice than ice cream. (You probably don't want to digest fat or dairy right now.)
Liquids your practitioner may allowduring labor
It's no surprise that water is on the list of ACOG's approved-for-labor liquids. Your practitioner may also permit or recommend:
- Clear broth: Warm, easy to digest and nutritious, consider chicken or vegetable broth for the laboring soul — and body. Opt for homemade or low-sodium versions over high-sodium canned varieties, which can leave you super thirsty.
- Beverages: Your practitioner may also allow fruit juice (without the pulp), carbonated beverages (like seltzer or Sprite), tea, black coffee and sports drinks.
- Ice chips: Long a staple on the delivery-room menu, ice chips are okay even if you're under a no-food restriction during labor. A few icy chips will be just the refreshing ticket you need when those breathing exercises leave you parched.
Even if you're really hungry (and chances are, eating won't be the first thing on your mind at that moment), resist the temptation to eat anything too heavy on the way to the hospital, and heed the advice of your practitioner.
In fact, you'd be smart to avoid anything that's high in fat or fiber-stuffed — you don't want to be competing with your digestive tract for energy reserves. (Plus the last thing you'll need is heartburn or diarrhea — you'll have plenty of other challenges to keep you busy.)
And whether you can eat or not during labor, your support system definitely can — and should. After all, you don't want your partner, relative or friend fainting from hunger when you need them most. Remind them to have a meal before you head off to the hospital or birthing center and to pack a bunch of snacks so that they won't have to leave your side when their stomach starts growling.
From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy.
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FAQs
Depending on your hospital's regulations, light meals like soup, toast, or fruit may also be okay during early labor. Above all, doctors still recommend that you eat light and preferably during early labor rather than in the later stages.
Can you eat or drink anything while in labor? ›
Talk to your physician about what they recommend you eat at home before coming to the hospital, and what they allow once you get there. Moderate amounts of liquid usually are fine, such as water, tea, black coffee, juice, carbonated beverages, or clear broths.
Are you allowed to eat in labour? ›
During the latent stage, it's a good idea to have something to eat and drink because you'll need energy for when labour is established. If your labour starts at night, try to stay comfortable and relaxed. Sleep if you can. If your labour starts during the day, stay upright and gently active.
Can you eat during labor with an epidural? ›
"It is desirable that women giving birth with an epidural do not have the additional stress of hunger, but instead be allowed to eat a light meal."
Why don't hospitals let you eat during labor? ›
Strict rules on eating and drinking during labor began in 1946 with Dr. Curtis Mendelson. He wanted to avoid aspiration in pregnant people under general anesthesia by keeping them from eating or drinking during labor. This was a helpful discovery that prevented many deaths, so the rule became a medical precedent.
What can I refuse during labor? ›
You have the right to decide what happens to your own body and to refuse recommended medications or procedures. For example, you have a right to refuse induction, decide whether or not to get an epidural, eat and drink during labor, and give birth in the position of your choice.
Can you eat if they induce labor? ›
Eating during induction of labor
Eat a healthy meal before you come in for your labor induction unless your care team tells you not to. Your care team will tell you if you can eat during labor induction. This depends on the type of induction, the phase of induction and your labor progress.
Can I eat a sandwich during labor? ›
“You can have food during labor, especially during the initial phase,” Dr. Gelfand suggests. Not eating for long periods of time can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be harmful for both the birth parent and their baby, says Dr. Gelfand.
How common is vomiting during labor? ›
Nausea and vomiting at the beginning or during the progress of labor is not uncommon. When occuring during the early period it usually ceases with the evacuation of the stomach, or only recurs occasionally. In some cases the patient will vomit at long intervals until the delivery is accomplished.
Why can't you eat on Pitocin? ›
Contractions typically start about 30 minutes after starting Pitocin. You're also not allowed to eat. This is because of the risk of aspiration in the event that you need an emergency cesarean delivery. Pitocin-induced contractions might interfere with rest, too, so both you and the baby can get tired out.
Aim for controlled, consistent pushing. If you can, try not to push down hard all at once while the baby's head is coming through the vagin*l opening. Pushing gently and slowly can give the tissue time to stretch.
Can you sleep through labor with epidural? ›
After an epidural, you may still be able to move around in bed and push when you need to. If you have a long labour, an epidural allows you to sleep and recover your strength. If you're having a caesarean, you can stay awake and your partner can be there.
What is the 3 3 1 rule for labor? ›
-If you're planning a low intervention delivery (no epidural) most people will labor at home for an extended period of time. A good general rule is 3-1-2. This is contractions 3 min apart or less, lasting over 1 minute in duration for at least 2 hours that you can't talk or walk through.
What is the 5 1 rule for labor? ›
Takeaway. If your contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting for 1 minute, for 1 hour or longer, it's time to head to the hospital. (Another way to remember a general rule: If they're getting “longer, stronger, closer together,” baby's on their way!)
Is it OK to lay down while in labor? ›
Lying on your back is generally not advised in the first stage of labour because it can reduce blood supply to your baby. It could also lead to a longer labour. You can, however, rest during this early phase to conserve your energy. Choose a comfy position lying on your side or sitting with your feet up.
What can I eat or drink to go into labor? ›
Spicy Foods, Sex & More: What Actually Helps To Induce Labor?
- Spicy food. Perhaps one of the most well-known theories is that eating spicy food can bring on labor. ...
- Prunes. ...
- Walking. ...
- Sex. ...
- Dates. ...
- Red raspberry leaf tea. ...
- Castor oil. ...
- Evening primrose oil.
During one of the most physically intense events of their lives, women are still routinely limited to ice chips and sips of water during labor, despite strong research showing no benefit, and possible harm to women and their babies.
What foods should you not eat before labor? ›
The best foods for labor are easy to eat and digest, filling, and energizing. That also means avoiding foods that are high in fat, greasy, or spicy, since these can be more difficult to digest.
Is drinking water good for labor? ›
Drinking Water During Labor
Like our marathon analogy above, it's important to enter your labor time already well hydrated. Starting dehydrated will exhaust you faster. Keep drinking especially during the early phases of childbirth. Continue to hydrate as often as you can until your baby is born.
