Best / Worst Prelabor Foods

shipsshoessealingwax · February 2013

Whether you're in the early stages of natural labor, or going in for a scheduled induction, it's likely you have some idea that labor is pending...

What are the best things to fuel your body with, and what should you avoid? I've seen suggestions for everything from carb loading and high protein [like for a marathon] to the BRAT diet or small, bland snacks only...

lightgetsin · February 2013

Don't eat anything you wouldn't want to throw up.

moonflowers2013 · February 2013

I was told by the nurses and L&D to try to have clear liquids (broth, apple juice, water) when in labour...I think they prefer you to have that sort of stuff because if you get sick, its not as hard on your stomach to throw that up, and also probably less of a mess for them to clean up lol

InkedMegs · February 2013

During early labor, my childbirth instructor told us to do two things: eat and rest/sleep.

She wasn't really specific about what to eat, though. I'm not much help but she did tell us to eat because it could be a long time before we are allowed to eat again.

abp51008 · February 2013

tmsgrl:
Don't eat anything you wouldn't want to throw up.

So true.

nyki06 · February 2013

I'm pretty sure that my midwife suggested foods that were high in protein last time so that I would have energy for labor. She also suggested Smart Water and/or Gatorade.

ETA: I will second the PP who said to eat things that would be easier to throw up. I projectile vomited all through labor so that was definitely a factor for me.

BelhurstBride · February 2013

tmsgrl:
Don't eat anything you wouldn't want to throw up.

Words out of my mouth.

Omgzombies · February 2013

Definitely eat with the idea that whatever you ingest, will come back up. That said, my OB recommended eating pasta before going to the hospital. Something that will slowly give you energy throughout the labor process. So my plan was to eat some chicken noodle soup, clear broth and pasta sound like the way to go. Once you go into the hospital, they will most likely limit you to clear liquids, so having something before you head in is a pretty good idea.

drpayne · February 2013

tmsgrl:
Don't eat anything you wouldn't want to throw up.

This. Also, you won't necessarily know ahead of time. By the time I know I'm in labor the last thing I want is food. In general, in the days near your due date definitely try to stay hydrated and eat well.

KYmama9286 · February 2013

Haha this question makes me chuckle just b/c of the foods I chose to eat before my induction with DS ( a heavy italian dinner- spaghetti w/ chicken parmesan ha!) and when I was in labor with DD (didn't realize how close I was to delivery) I ate a HUGE dinner of chinese food and delivered her 4 hours later :-) I am lucky that I didn't throw up in either situation and didn't poop either- so for me the food gave me the energy I needed and didn't backfire.

This time I may try and plan a little better- I'll probably try and pick foods to keep my blood sugar stable (complex carb and a protein so maybe a ham sandwich on whole grain bread with no condiments?) OR I'll just eat what sounds good like the last 2 times and hope for the best :-)

j_st.charles · February 2013

Yeah I agree with the "throw up" rule. When I was in labor with my son, I had the urge to throw up several times, however, because i hadn't had breakfast that morning and was admitted to L & D at 8 am, and then was only allowed to have clear liquids, I really didn't have anything to throw up. Had I had something in my stomach, I am sure I would have. I'd say bland things for sure.

nma1227 · February 2013

My childbirth class instructor said eat lots of complex carbs, and during active labor drink Emergen-C. She said the "clear fluids" thing is just a precaution in case you might need a c-section.

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