H2O during labor?

baby*love · March 2012

I'm due in 2 weeks with my third. With DD1 I was so thirsty during labor& delivery and distinctly remember the nurses and my DH giving me sips of water from the giant hospital water jug/straw. DD2 - diff hospital and different OB and I wasn't allowed any water only a few ice chips in case a c section became necessary (it wasn't either time)

Do all OBs restrict water during a routine (uncomplicated) hopefully vaginal delivery?

Luvmy2sons · March 2012

I was allowed ice chips and that was it. But I was also a Vbac, so there may be a greater chance for a c/s for me.

JaiMacreiberts · March 2012

I think most OB's restrict food and water intake while most midwives encourage it. Personally, I'll be eating and drinking during labor if I feel like it because I'll need the energy boost!

Angelfish82 · March 2012

When I was in L&D at 32 weeks I was only allowed ice chips. I remember being so thirsty even though I also had an IV, so I talked to my doctor about it and she said that I could probably have some water as long as I just took little sips. I hope that turns out to be the case.

WildcatPrincess · March 2012

I see MWs, so I don't know if that makes a difference, but I was able to drink as much as I wanted. I had my own water bottle and was chugging from it up until I hit transition. Then I got nauseous and switched to ice. It was a PITA having to pee so much while laboring, but I've heard being super hydrated can make contractions not as painful and I was willing to try.

hilwithonelary · March 2012

theresat858:

It depends on the hospital.

However, my OB isn't going to be in the room for most of labor and nurses aren't either. I will be drinking water. (There is no evidence that restricting water serves any purpose other than dehydrate mom).

This exactly. I will also be eating (if I feel like it).

tbmadeamistake · March 2012

I've been told that I'm allowed to eat and drink within reason for as long as I can. Actually, the only way I can avoid an IV is to keep drinking. If I stop being able to hydrate myself, they'll put in the IV. So no, not all OBs are that way.

baloneydisc · March 2012

I was not allowed to eat, but was able to have as much water as I wanted. I remember being offered Popsicles too, but don't remember the timing on that.

Angelfish82 · March 2012

So, what are the reasons behind hospitals asking us not to eat or drink? If I sneak in a bite or a sip will I be increasing the likelihood of any complications?

KeysEscobedo · March 2012

i just read an article about this & i wish my comprehension was better because now i don't remember!!!!

but i think they are realizing that there isn't a good reason & slowly reintroducing it back into being ok.

def worth exploring.

acooper18 · March 2012

My hospital is ice chips only, but I've already decided I'm going to sneak water or food if I'm hungry. Being hungry means my body needs food, and being in labor is hard work and my body needs energy.

acooper18 · March 2012

Angelfish82:
So, what are the reasons behind hospitals asking us not to eat or drink? If I sneak in a bite or a sip will I be increasing the likelihood of any complications?

I've heard it's so that if you do end up with a C-section, you won't have very much in your stomach to throw up if the medicine makes you nauseous.

jesspacatc · March 2012

acooper18:
Angelfish82:
So, what are the reasons behind hospitals asking us not to eat or drink? If I sneak in a bite or a sip will I be increasing the likelihood of any complications?
I've heard it's so that if you do end up with a C-section, you won't have very much in your stomach to throw up if the medicine makes you nauseous.

If ou have something in your stomach and require surgery (remember. C section is major abdominal surgery), you can aspirate the contents of your stomach and develop severe breathing issues or pneumonia. (aspirate = vomit and suck into our lungs)

tokenhoser · March 2012

I chugged water between every contraction for the full 2 hours I pushed. I would guess I drank 2 or 3 liters of water.

There is no reason to restrict water. Some hospitals do it anyway. It's old school and not necessary.

tokenhoser · March 2012

jesspacatc:
acooper18:
Angelfish82:
So, what are the reasons behind hospitals asking us not to eat or drink? If I sneak in a bite or a sip will I be increasing the likelihood of any complications?
I've heard it's so that if you do end up with a C-section, you won't have very much in your stomach to throw up if the medicine makes you nauseous.
If ou have something in your stomach and require surgery (remember. C section is major abdominal surgery), you can aspirate the contents of your stomach and develop severe breathing issues or pneumonia. (aspirate = vomit and suck into our lungs)

This is only an issue if you're put under general anesthesia.

That's pretty darn rare in this day and age, first of all. Second of all, your digestions slows way down in labour, so not eating is no guarantee your stomach is empty anyway.

The data does not support withholding water from labouring women.

Tambcat · March 2012

At the hospital where I'm delivering, it's ice chips only if you have an epi. Otherwise, it's clear liquids.

pixieprincss · March 2012

tokenhoser:
jesspacatc:
acooper18:

Angelfish82:
So, what are the reasons behind hospitals asking us not to eat or drink? If I sneak in a bite or a sip will I be increasing the likelihood of any complications?

I've heard it's so that if you do end up with a C-section, you won't have very much in your stomach to throw up if the medicine makes you nauseous.

If ou have something in your stomach and require surgery (remember. C section is major abdominal surgery), you can aspirate the contents of your stomach and develop severe breathing issues or pneumonia. (aspirate = vomit and suck into our lungs)

This is only an issue if you're put under general anesthesia.

That's pretty darn rare in this day and age, first of all. Second of all, your digestions slows way down in labour, so not eating is no guarantee your stomach is empty anyway.

The data does not support withholding water from labouring women.

Ditto.

Another point is that people go into emergency surgery every single day without the staff knowing when that person last ate. They can pump the stomach if aspiration is a concern.

The NPO rule (short for a latin phrase meaning nothing by os/mouth) is a kickback from when moms were knocked out routinely for births with twilight sleep. Although that intervention is no longer practices, many of the rules associated with it have still stuck in mainstream OB medicine.

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H2O during labor?

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Married DH 7/30/11

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