Imagine preparing for an intense marathon, only to be told you can’t consume any food or beverages for hours beforehand. While I’ve never participated in a marathon, I have experienced childbirth—twice! If someone had prohibited me from eating during the lengthy and painful process of labor, I would have been infuriated.
Yet, many hospitals across the United States maintain a strict policy against food and drink during labor. Ice chips are plentiful, but solid sustenance is often off the table.
In contrast, I opted for a midwife-assisted birth outside the hospital setting, where I was not only permitted to eat but actually encouraged to do so. During the initial phases of my first labor, while contractions came sporadically, I savored a warm egg and cheese sandwich. For my second labor, I enjoyed a hearty bowl of cereal and milk—comfort foods that provided solace during such a demanding time.
As labor progressed in my first experience, my midwife insisted I consume something since I hadn’t eaten in over eight hours. I was overwhelmed by the intensity of the contractions and felt incapable of taking anything in. However, she suggested even a small amount of soup or juice could help replenish my energy. I managed to eat just a few spoonfuls before promptly throwing it up. My midwife remained optimistic, pleased that I had at least attempted to nourish myself, and shortly after, I found the strength to give birth to my son.
A few years later, I was present for a friend’s hospital birth with an MD, and a glaring difference stood out: she was not allowed to eat or drink during labor. My friend, too, was hungry and relied solely on ice chips, which made me want to sneak her a granola bar.
Fortunately, there is a growing movement among medical professionals to reassess the prohibition of food and drink during labor. In 2015, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommended that laboring women be allowed to eat and drink when feasible. This shift is significant, as the initial ban stemmed from concerns about potential aspiration during anesthesia, which could elevate the risk of pneumonia.
After reviewing 385 studies published since 1990, the ASA found minimal risk associated with consuming food or beverages during labor. In fact, their research indicated that withholding nourishment could actually prolong labor, which is something no one desires.
Failing to provide nutrition not only drains vital energy but can also lead to emotional distress, potentially diverting blood flow away from the uterus and placenta, further complicating the labor process. It’s hardly surprising that not eating during such a challenging time can cause stress—it’s almost like torture to deny a woman sustenance when she’s engaged in the most demanding work of her life.
The ASA does clarify that certain high-risk patients—like those suffering from eclampsia or preeclampsia—should refrain from eating during labor. However, for healthy, low-risk women, the outdated restrictions should be reconsidered.
It’s crucial for all laboring women to discuss their individual situations with their healthcare providers to determine if consuming food and drink during labor is appropriate for them.
After informally surveying friends who recently gave birth, it appears that only a handful of hospitals have started changing their policies in response to this new guidance, while many others remain outdated. Let’s hope for progress, because when a woman feels the need to eat, especially while giving birth, she should have that option.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re told food won’t be allowed during labor, and you believe you qualify as low-risk, consider discussing the ASA study with your healthcare provider. It never hurts to ask. And if you do receive the green light to nibble on a piece of toast or a protein bar during labor, you’ll be grateful for every morsel, even if you end up losing some of it shortly after. Trust me; you’ll need every tiny calorie you can muster while engaging in the most extraordinary, taxing work of your life.
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Summary
The traditional prohibition against eating and drinking during labor is being challenged by recent recommendations from the American Society of Anesthesiologists, which suggests that low-risk women should be allowed to nourish themselves. This shift acknowledges the physical and emotional toll of labor, highlighting the importance of allowing women to eat and drink during this critical time.
Keyphrase: Allowing food and drink during labor
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