STM: What to eat before induction?

growbeangrow · November 2012

I'm scheduled for an induction on Thursday morning. I was told I could and should eat before I come in. Does anyone have recommendations on breakfast foods that would keep me strong and full all day?

*LrCg* · November 2012

Aren't you going to eat while in labor? Its not really good to not being eating while in labor. I ate my regular breakfast, a cheeseburger and french fries for lunch but I was hitting transition during dinner- I tried to drink a milk shake but wanted to throw it up (didn't realize I was in transition but throwing up is a sign). I would eat what you regularly eat and continue to eat while in labor.

lightgetsin · November 2012

I am pretty sure that during an induction they won't let you eat, so I would definitely go for a bigger breakfast of lean meat and salad...a smoothie with protein maybe. Whatever you can fit in there!

emolee84 · November 2012

LrCg:
Aren't you going to eat while in labor?nbsp; Its not really good to not being eating while in labor.nbsp; I ate my regular breakfast, a cheeseburger and french fries for lunch but I was hitting transition during dinner Inbsp;tried to drink a milk shake but wanted to throw it up didn't realize I was in transition but throwing up is a sign.nbsp; I would eat what you regularly eat and continue to eat while in labor.nbsp;

Usually most hospitals won't allow you to eat anything. I was only allowed ice chips and Popsicles once I was in the hospital

itsmevkb · November 2012

Proteins over carbs. So eggs and ham or bacon over pancakes or cereal.

FWIW, I never had any desire to eat while I was in labor, even when my labor was over 24 hours long.

526SadieSadie · November 2012

I ate a zucchini fritatta around 2 and was administered the pitocin around 430-5. I wasn't hungry until after delivery. I wasn't allowed to eat when I was in labor, they gave me a little bit of apple juice and water to stay hydrated.

LSU628 · November 2012

Whole grains and protein. I've been eating a whole wheat bagel with peanut butter in the mornings to help keep me full longer. When I have more time on the weekends, I make an "egg McMuffin" with a whole wheat English muffin, egg, cheese and ham.

Titts McGeee · November 2012

I second the protein and whole grains. I was allowed broth and juice for energy, but I don't think my appetite was very large anyway. I would steer clear from cheeseburgers or anything greasy if you don't want to projectile poop on your doctor during delivery.

paprika28 · November 2012

My induction was scheduled at night, so DD's dad and I went out for a steak dinner as our 'last meal without a kiddo'. I would go with something protein filled, definitely. Also, if your hospital was like mine, they wouldn't allow me anything but ice chips and a popsicle once the pitocin was administered.

HopeNotLost · November 2012

emolee84:
LrCg:
Aren't you going to eat while in labor?nbsp; Its not really good to not being eating while in labor.nbsp; I ate my regular breakfast, a cheeseburger and french fries for lunch but I was hitting transition during dinner Inbsp;tried to drink a milk shake but wanted to throw it up didn't realize I was in transition but throwing up is a sign.nbsp; I would eat what you regularly eat and continue to eat while in labor.nbsp;
Usually most hospitals won't allow you to eat anything. I was only allowed ice chips and Popsicles once I was in the hospital

Yep, my first, I couldn't eat at all. My second induction I was allowed little things here and there. I think it depends on how your dr thinks you will respond to the induction. Just eat high protein food for breakfast. that will definitely help!

TofuMama7 · November 2012

tmsgrl:
I am pretty sure that during an induction they won't let you eat, so I would definitely go for a bigger breakfast of lean meat and salad...a smoothie with protein maybe. Whatever you can fit in there!

This. I agree that you should go for things with protein.

shutupanddance07 · November 2012

You don't want JUST protein. You need to eat something really carby and throw some protein in with the mix. Carbohydrate=energy. Your body is about to go through the workout of your life. You need energy. If you eat just lots of carbs, your body uses them up really quickly though. If you pair them with a good protein source, it helps stabilize your blood sugar and lets your body use that energy more efficiently. You should carb load the night before, like a giant spaghetti and meatballs dinner sort of thing, and then for breakfast, maybe eggs and pancakes and some fruit?

Todd&Laura · November 2012

I was told to eat before myninductionand was not allowed to eat during labor. I was so nervous that all I ate was a bowl of cereal. Big mistake!! I was starving throughout the whole labor process. I went in at 6pm...son was born just before midnight the next day!! Eat more than I did and don't count on eating in labor!!

choppinbroccoli22 · November 2012

GhostMonkey:
shutupanddance07:
You don't want JUST protein. You need to eat something really carby and throw some protein in with the mix. Carbohydrate=energy. Your body is about to go through the workout of your life. You need energy. If you eat just lots of carbs, your body uses them up really quickly though. If you pair them with a good protein source, it helps stabilize your blood sugar and lets your body use that energy more efficiently. You should carb load the night before, like a giant spaghetti and meatballs dinner sort of thing, and then for breakfast, maybe eggs and pancakes and some fruit?
You need adequate protein as well, it should not be just an afterthought. Without protein you cannot fully utilize the carb energy you have. Without enough protein, you also face a higher risk of dehydration.

I agree w/ Ghostmonkey. Also, that's not exactly how you carb-load. I would NOT actually carb-load late in pregnancy, because it first involves a prolonged starvation of carbs, which tricks your body into storing that massive carb intake as glycogen, which your muscles slow-burn, giving the endurance. Without being tricked, your body doesn't do that, and you just have a whole bunch of fast carbs on board. So GM is right.

It is true that glycogen stores get low in laboring women, and we shake, and we feel that we hit rock bottom in the hardest hour of transition. But I don't think a certain amount carbs is the answer. It just is. That's the big physical and mental challenge that we try to prepare ourselves for. Then adrenaline helps us through the rest.

Try to eat a balanced, protein-rich meal that will sustain you for the long haul, as you might not have a chance to eat for quite some time.

areadinger · November 2012

I was told in my birthing class to eat what you would typically eat if you had the flu such as toast or other light meals.

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