No eating while in labor... ?

SomersIsles · March 2014

Here's a random question... mostly triggered because of what's going on with me at this very moment lol...

I eat pretty regularly and I drink boat loads of water. Lately, despite being well hydrated, if I don't eat by a certain amount of time I get suddenly very shaky and dizzy.

For example.. this morning I woke up at about 6:30 am but I didn't really roll out of bed until about 8:00. I had a pretty healthy breakfast (Kashi cereal and OJ ... it's got a decent amount of calories and 10g of protein per serving... I probably had nearly 2 servings considering the way I pour my cereal). I also popped my prenatal vitamin.

I've been sipping on water all morning and, aside from some laundry and folding, I've been pretty sedentary.

At about 11:30 I had a random snack (rice krispie treat mmmm).

Now at nearly 2 I realized I haven't had a solid lunch. What reminded me? Sudden extreme weakness, shaky hands, and the feeling that if I go any longer I could pass out. I quickly whippped up a lunch and I'm starting to feel better.

If I'm in labor at the hospital how on earth will I be able to push a baby out of my vag without food in my stomach giving me the necessary energy to do, what I assume, will be harder than any workout of my life...??

rubyzuzu · March 2014

I have to eat regularly or I get sick, the same as you - but for some reason it didn't happen while I was in labor. I don't know if it was the adrenaline or what. I DID get horribly exhausted though (that was worse than the pain). So I already have snacks packed and this time around, I'm going to eat. I don't care about their stupid rule, haha

craftiemommie · March 2014

I was thinking this same thing. Maybe your body just does what it needs to do? If I don't eat on schedule I'm a mess, an absolute mess! My husband has taken to stashing snacks in both cars and his coat pockets, I'm like that snickers commercial - only I turn into an absolute beast!

mevensen · March 2014

I hear ya! We went in at 6:30am and I didn't eat breakfast because I thought I couldn't. At that point it was clear liquids only (at one point I ate jello and chicken broth). She wasn't born until 9:12pm. I kept telling DH I was so hungry and couldn't wait to eat despite the fact that I would have my LO in my arms. You will be surprised what your body will do when the time comes.

aLsMay24 · March 2014

I snuck a snickers in while I was being induced. I had a big lunch at noon but that was all I ate between then and after I had DS at 9 am the next morning. I get like you when I don't eat but I don't remember it being much of an issue while in labor. I did puke my guts out twice that morning before I delivered and I was very thankful I hadn't eaten a bunch. I think maybe I did have some oj.

htn1763 · March 2014

eat lots of broth?! I plan on bringing my own box of chicken broth (I heard the hospital one is so salty). I also think we will be so preoccupied that you won't notice.

novelblessings · March 2014

I keep thinking about this as well. I have to snacked throughout the day or I get really irritable and tired. The couple of times I have gone to L&D for monitoring I was like "I'm starving!!!" and I was only there for like 3-4 hours. It bothers me a little but I'm hoping I won't care at the time.

CurlieWhirlie · March 2014

This is why a lot of people try to labor at home for as long as possible — you can eat as you want to, etc. as long as you haven't been admitted to the hospital.

Once you're there, they'll give you IV fluids/electrolytes if they think you need it. Of course it depends on the facility and what their policy is, a lot of places let you snack lightly now.

I can tell you, once I was in active labor with DS, I did not have any interest in eating whatsoever. So if you get that early labor phase, make sure you eat a decent meal if you can!

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lazyreader · March 2014

I have no idea if I will want food or if I will be allowed to snack or whatever. I put these in my hospital bag:

Gatorade chews & Gatorade Fuel

Sanibel21 · March 2014

I am worried about this too. I get hangry!! Thank you for reminding of one more thing to ask my doc about tomorrow.

ProudMommy030614 · March 2014

I am allowed to eat as long as I don't get an epidural or pitocin. I had no desire to eat with my other labors though.

jwls84 · March 2014

I went in to labour with B at night (around 1:30am). I was not hungry! I had an unmedicated birth so I was pretty focused on my breathing and not losing my shit. The last thing I was thinking about was eating. I didn't feel hungry and I don't think I was overly hungry the day I went into labour. After I had him I was starving though and ate like crazy!

herbolds · March 2014

The national C-section rate is over 30%. Our local hospital is the same. The only reason they restrict your food intake in a hospital is because you've got a good chance of having a C-section. I've opted to use a birth center and midwife, which means no restrictions on food, beverages, movement, or on anything else that could make the birth more comfortable. I may not even feel like eating, but it's nice to know I'm not limited to sucking on ice or sipping broth for energy if I need it.

DTNZ4Ever · March 2014

Water broke at 2:30am DS was born at 1am the following day so almost 24 hours. I didn't eat for over 24 hours I honestly don't remember being hungry. I was on an IV so I didn't get dehydrated but had ice chips. I was starving after DS was born I had the best sandwich and fruit after DS was born.

aesmom · March 2014

During my induction with #2 they were force feeding me in between the foley falling out and them starting pit. Once contractions start I loose all those hunger feelings. I wasn't hungry after I gave birth until I was clean and had taken a nap. It was almost 24 hours total without food. I think they will let you have Popsicles that should have sugar in them if you get the shakes. My hospital also lets you have apple juice or sprite.

BabiesFTW · March 2014

Eat before you go. Then I drank lots of apple and cranberry juice while in labor to get some fluids, sugars, and calories in.
I had an Epi this time. Last time I didn't and food was the last thing on my mind.

BrideNamedMeg · March 2014

The risk of aspirating during a c-section is REALLY low even if you've just eaten, there has already been chatter about changing the stupid "no eating during labor" rules and I wouldn't be surprised to see hospitals shifting policy over the next few years....though it can take them awhile to catch up!

With DD, I only labored at the hospital for about 6 hours and at that point I wasn't hungry. MH had some food at some point and I almost made him leave the room because the smell alone was bothering me. With DS's labor we were home so I could do what I wanted. I snacked when I could all day - we had fruit and crackers out for the midwives and I ate that when I could, we also had some homemade broccoli cheese & potato soup that I ate as well. I think if you stay home as long as you can and eat when you want you should be okay. Bring some snacks with you and eat them if you need to.

SassyFlats · March 2014

I had the same concern! My OB allows med-free laboring moms to eat light snacks if they want-- I took a look at my hospital's list and it includes crackers, scrambled eggs, broth, juices, etc. I'm happy with those options!

If you get an epi they won't allow you any food, though.

As others said... I may not WANT to eat, but I just can't imagine if I AM hungry during labor being denied food!

clo1982 · March 2014

Adrenaline! I ate before leaving for the hospital last time, which was around 3am. I didn't eat again until about 30 hours later. I remember being thirsty but never hungry.

Sanibel21 · March 2014

With the epi thing what if you go in not wanting one, eat, then decide you want one? No go?

SurpriseAt39 · March 2014

I ate before my induction (admitted at 1pm) with DD.
I don't remember if I got supper that night in the hospital or not.
They let me have breakfast the next morning (@8am) because I was hungry and wasn't very dilated yet. As soon as contractions picked up when my water was broken (@9:30am) I threw it all up.
She was born at 9:45pm.

With DS I went into labour at 2:30am on my own. Delivered at 7:30am and breakfast was delivered as I was pushing. I didn't have to sorry about that one.

This time, who knows.
I haven't asked about food, but I doubt I will feel like eating unless labour lasts 12+ hours.
I haven't felt much like eating the last few days, so I'm going to try to have snacks with me, just in case.

BrideNamedMeg · March 2014

Sanibel21 said:

With the epi thing what if you go in not wanting one, eat, then decide you want one? No go?

They'll still give you the epi, but they might not let you eat any more depending on your hospital.

KariB509 · March 2014

When I was in early labor with DS, it was in the morning and I ate pancakes a little before noon. Around 5, labor was really progressing and my contractions were getting stronger. I wasn't hungry at all. We went to the hospital around 7 and I delivered him at 4:30am. So at the time I delivered, I hadn't eaten anything in over 12 hours. But was I starving to death? Nope. I didn't even notice. I don't know how everyone else is, but for me I felt no sense of hunger or desire to eat. In fact, before I got my epi, my contractions were so overwhelming that I was vomiting.

If you feel the desire to eat before you go to the hospital, then I'd say eat. But I kinda doubt you'll feel hungry.

Nickiechan · March 2014

During my labor with my son my midwife got me pudding and oatmeal. I was naturally laboring for 7 hours and she allowed it since I was going naturally. However I did have an epidural after hour 16... With this labor I labored much at home and ate a big dinner before leaving for hospital. During labor my doula gave me honey sticks, and we snuck snacks (protin bars etc). My midwife didn't say anything to me while I ate a thing of apple sauce around transition but even then I wasn't very interested in it since I felt so nauseous. They don't want you to eat due to them having to use general for a c section if an emergency arises. At my practice if you intend to go naturally they are pretty relaxed with the whole "Not eating" rule.

dancer7889 · March 2014

I am the same way but I had ZERO interest in food. I was going to eat a granola bar at least before we went to the hospital at 8 am (I hadn't eaten since my snack before bed), but I was so nauseous that the thought of food was terrible. I did throw up during labor so I'm glad my stomach was empty. My labor was quick so I didn't have to go really long without food- I had lo at 11:30 am, about 12 hours. I didn't even think about food for at least an hour later, after skin to skin, clean up, and breastfeeding.

I wish I could've had water instead of just ice chips. I may have drank my melted ice chips at some point tho! I was thirsty but really didn't have much time to even think about it b/c my labor was so fast.

SomersIsles · March 2014

Hmmm makes me wonder how it'll go when it's my turn. I just realized how suddenly I lost my energy this afternoon. If I went for a short short walk I almost definitely would have passed out. I just can't imagine pushing with zero energy. Hopefully adrenaline does kick in. Definitely going to ask my doctor next time.

Side note... Apparently this is what happens when labor is so close... Last minute panic of questions haha

Yenemous · March 2014

I wasn't allowed to eat for almost 24 hours! I spent the majority of my labor fantasizing about what I'd eat after my LO was finally born. Unfortunately he didn't arrive until 9:30 on a Wednesday night and by the time MH was able to leave the hospital to find food the only thing that was open was McDonalds. NOT my idea of a delicious post partum meal but I was so hungry I gobbled it up anyway. Also, while I was pushing (for an hour and a half) believe me when I say that food was the farthest thing from my mind and the fact that I hadn't eaten in so long didn't seem effect my ability to push at all. You'd be amazed at the strength you find in that moment!

pepperedmoth · March 2014

BrideNamedMeg said:
The risk of aspirating during a c-section is REALLY low even if you've just eaten, there has already been chatter about changing the stupid "no eating during labor" rules and I wouldn't be surprised to see hospitals shifting policy over the next few years....though it can take them awhile to catch up!

With DD, I only labored at the hospital for about 6 hours and at that point I wasn't hungry. MH had some food at some point and I almost made him leave the room because the smell alone was bothering me. With DS's labor we were home so I could do what I wanted. I snacked when I could all day - we had fruit and crackers out for the midwives and I ate that when I could, we also had some homemade broccoli cheese & potato soup that I ate as well. I think if you stay home as long as you can and eat when you want you should be okay. Bring some snacks with you and eat them if you need to.

I officially have a big bump crush on @bridenamedmeg and agree with all this.

There is no evidence base for restricting food in labor. The idea that "well maybe she'll need a general and then maybe she'll aspirate so she shouldn't eat anything" sounds reasonable but is so remote a possibility it's pretty mich equivalent to "well maybe she'll trip over a crack in the linoleum and then maybe she'll have an abruption right then so she shouldn't walk or move at all."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0012411/
https://www.bmj.com/content/338/bmj.b784

SomersIsles · March 2014

pepperedmoth said:

BrideNamedMeg said:
The risk of aspirating during a c-section is REALLY low even if you've just eaten, there has already been chatter about changing the stupid "no eating during labor" rules and I wouldn't be surprised to see hospitals shifting policy over the next few years....though it can take them awhile to catch up!

With DD, I only labored at the hospital for about 6 hours and at that point I wasn't hungry. MH had some food at some point and I almost made him leave the room because the smell alone was bothering me. With DS's labor we were home so I could do what I wanted. I snacked when I could all day - we had fruit and crackers out for the midwives and I ate that when I could, we also had some homemade broccoli cheese & potato soup that I ate as well. I think if you stay home as long as you can and eat when you want you should be okay. Bring some snacks with you and eat them if you need to.
I officially have a big bump crush on @bridenamedmeg and agree with all this.

There is no evidence base for restricting food in labor. The idea that "well maybe she'll need a general and then maybe she'll aspirate so she shouldn't eat anything" sounds reasonable but is so remote a possibility it's pretty mich equivalent to "well maybe she'll trip over a crack in the linoleum and then maybe she'll have an abruption right then so she shouldn't walk or move at all."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0012411/
https://www.bmj.com/content/338/bmj.b784

So in other words.... Just sneak food if they say no?

BrideNamedMeg · March 2014

pepperedmoth said:

The risk of aspirating during a c-section is REALLY low even if you've just eaten, there has already been chatter about changing the stupid "no eating during labor" rules and I wouldn't be surprised to see hospitals shifting policy over the next few years....though it can take them awhile to catch up!

With DD, I only labored at the hospital for about 6 hours and at that point I wasn't hungry. MH had some food at some point and I almost made him leave the room because the smell alone was bothering me. With DS's labor we were home so I could do what I wanted. I snacked when I could all day - we had fruit and crackers out for the midwives and I ate that when I could, we also had some homemade broccoli cheese & potato soup that I ate as well. I think if you stay home as long as you can and eat when you want you should be okay. Bring some snacks with you and eat them if you need to.
I officially have a big bump crush on @bridenamedmeg and agree with all this. There is no evidence base for restricting food in labor. The idea that "well maybe she'll need a general and then maybe she'll aspirate so she shouldn't eat anything" sounds reasonable but is so remote a possibility it's pretty mich equivalent to "well maybe she'll trip over a crack in the linoleum and then maybe she'll have an abruption right then so she shouldn't walk or move at all." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0012411/ https://www.bmj.com/content/338/bmj.b784

MA&CB · March 2014

I was induced with my first and labored for 36 hours. I'm pretty sure I had lunch, dinner, and breakfast at the hospital prior to being in real active labor. And then once actively labored I wouldn't have thought about eating.

lb1117 · March 2014

I was worried about this but I ended up not really being hungry until after...and of course then I couldn't get food from the hospital.

I didn't eat before the induction because I didn't know it was happening. I was allowed popsicles, gingerale, juice and ice/water. Having at least fluids with sugar often helped with the weakness.

springbaby03 · March 2014

I was freaking starving, after delivering son I was given a popsicle. Lol Then 10 family members rushed the room. Ugh

coreyeliz · March 2014

If I decide I need food, no one in that hospital is going to want to stand in my way. I'm a beast when I'm hungry. And lately I've been just like you, suddenly shaky and thinking I'll pass out if I wait too long to eat. I also know that I do way better at endurance activities if my blood sugar doesn't get too low and if I have good or snacks. So DH is on board to either sneak me food if I want it or just flat out tell the nurses to get out of my way. Maybe I won't have any interest in food, but if I do I'll be damned if they're going to stop me.

Brittlamarche · March 2014

As the other ladies have said, eat before you go. With my DS my water broke at about 6 am so I are a bagel bc I knew I wouldn't be allowed to have anything. We went to the hospital and nothing was happening with me so by early evening I was begging and pleading for food. They let me have a yogurt. My son wasn't born until 9:49 the next morning and I had had nothing since the yogurt. Definitely during pitocin induced contractions you won't want anything then after I had my epidural maybe I just didn't feel the hunger pain bc I was doing fine. After he was born I had a huge breakfast burrito tho and it was amazing!

CruiseGirl28 · March 2014

I get nauseous/faint when I don't eat, so I am worried about this. DH thinks that eating before (potential) surgery is dangerous, so he said he won't sneak me snacks. We'll see how it goes.

He said there is a vending machine that has sandwiches, etc in case I can finally eat and it's late. I never saw said vending machine, but we'll see.

mevensen · March 2014

CruiseGirl28 said:
I get nauseous/faint when I don't eat, so I am worried about this. DH thinks that eating before (potential) surgery is dangerous, so he said he won't sneak me snacks. We'll see how it goes.

He said there is a vending machine that has sandwiches, etc in case I can finally eat and it's late. I never saw said vending machine, but we'll see.

I was allowed to order food before the kitchen closed and DH put it in the fridge in my room. There were microwaves in all of the rooms as well so I could hear it up afterwards. Something for you to look into.

BrideNamedMeg · March 2014

CruiseGirl28 said:

I get nauseous/faint when I don't eat, so I am worried about this. DH thinks that eating before (potential) surgery is dangerous, so he said he won't sneak me snacks. We'll see how it goes. He said there is a vending machine that has sandwiches, etc in case I can finally eat and it's late. I never saw said vending machine, but we'll see.

@cruisegirl28, have him read the studies that @pepperedmoth posted - it's really not dangerous and the idea that it is is based on VERY old and outdated information/science.

DaisyJane11 · March 2014

You sound like me with my first baby. If you have a history of blood sugar dropping get in the habit of grazing every day and definitely eat something on the way to the hospital. My labor lasted 28 hours. I was starving and started getting very nauseous dizzy and sweaty. Blood sugar dropped to 55. Had to get a bump through the iv. This time I've got a bag of hard candy packed just in case.

chapel2012 · March 2014

We are "allowed" to have popsicles. I have already informed DH that he will need to stash some fruit snacks and a protein bar or two on him, because if I am hungry, I am snacking.

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