No food during labor?

PacoCat33 · September 2014

My friend is currently in labor. She got induced around noon and is still in the early stages. The hospital won't let her eat anything but clear liquids and she hasn't eaten since 10...I'm just wondering why can't you eat?? Is it bc of pooping? Can't you poop on the table anyways? This seems weird to be...anyone have any insight??

sarals24 · September 2014

I think it's because if you have to be rushed into a C-section, it can be dangerous to eat before a major surgery (I've had two big surgeries, not C-sections, and you can't eat the night before)

Not sure if that's why, but that makes sense to me.

Jessie333 · September 2014

I think the main reason is in case you need a c section. They don't want you to throw up food. Honestly, when I was in labor with dd, eating was the last thing I wanted to do.

freakyfast · September 2014

When I was induced with my son I had to have my last meal before 10pm the night before. I think in case of surgery and in case of throwing up. A lot of complications can happen with a full stomach. I ate Sunday night and then didn't eat anything until Tuesday early morning.

bowlwoman · September 2014

Same here. I was induced and couldn't eat after midnight the night before. However, since I was GD, they had to keep my blood sugars stable and I got an IV with yummy liquid nutrients injected right into my veins, so I really wasn't hungry anyway. Plus, my labors were relatively short (10 and 8 hours respectively), so I was eating by dinnertime anyway after my 6-7 am inductions.

I don't assume anything will be different this time, unless I happen to go into labor on my own instead of being induced.

[Deleted User] · September 2014

The user and all related content has been deleted.

JaymeeLH · September 2014

Unfortunately it's most hospitals policy, based on when they used to put women under general anesthesia for c-sections to negate the risk of aspiration (which really if you think about it, is stupid because regardless of food being in your stomach, if you're going to throw up something will come up be it bile or food). Like @twolittledogs said it's pretty antiquated these days since most c-sections are performed under local anesthesia and epidural. I've heard more than one story of women/partners sneaking food in because really, who wants to go hours and hours of not eating all while putting yourself through all that work.

Cheekers2010 · September 2014

twolittledogs said:

It's in case they have to put you under for a c-section. I think it's a pretty antiquated rule, but falls under the general operation standards.

After hours and hours of begging for food, they finally brought me two popsicles and a cup of jello.

Then they brought some cold dinner after birth. DH made a late McD's run for both of us.

I am totally taking Gu or something else I can eat if I am in labor forever again.

yeah, it is antiquated. Especially because the likelihood of you needing to go under general anesthesia even with an emergency c-section is very small. And it's general they worry about-not a c-section with a spinal which is what most women have. Also, even if you've eaten and have to go under general they can give you meds to keep you from vomiting and inhaling some of the vomit. Think about people who just went to dinner and are in a car accident and need to be rushed into surgery. They don't delay, they give you meds to keep from throwing up. Many more progressive hospitals OBs/ midwives no longer follow this rule. Mamas need to keep up their strength during labor. It's like a marathon! Obviously I'm talking about cases where there are no other reasons one shouldn't eat.

CandEChicago · September 2014

My OB friend allows her patients clear liquids (Popsicle without fruit). She said it is very much up to your OB. If my OB allows it then we are going to **plan** to bring some with us... let's see if we actually remember.

DoctorWorm222 · September 2014

Let this be a lesson to all of us ... when you start having contractions, go get yourself something to eat! And swing by McD's on the way to the hospital to snarf some pre-L&D fries and a milkshake

soulcupcake · September 2014

JaymeeLH said:

Unfortunately it's most hospitals policy, based on when they used to put women under general anesthesia for c-sections to negate the risk of aspiration (which really if you think about it, is stupid because regardless of food being in your stomach, if you're going to throw up something will come up be it bile or food). Like @twolittledogs said it's pretty antiquated these days since most c-sections are performed under local anesthesia and epidural. I've heard more than one story of women/partners sneaking food in because really, who wants to go hours and hours of not eating all while putting yourself through all that work.

This.

True obstetric emergency leading to a stat c-section is extremely rare. In some of those cases moms require section at the beginning of or very early stages of labor, so there's always a chance they ate hours within that window.

I mean, in any other emergency situation they sedate and/or intubate when necessary, whether they've eaten recently or not.

Fortunately, there are no food restrictions in out-of-hospital births. Moms are encouraged to drink and eat to keep their energy up.

agsgrrl · September 2014

When one of my friends was in labor with her second she was crying because she wanted a cheeseburger

(

kim1730 · September 2014

I wasn't allowed to drink water either during my 26 hour labor with DS2. Just whatever I was able to wet down my mouth with from the ice chips they gave me. It was awful, I was so thirsty that I was dreaming about drinking water as I dozed off mid labor. I ended up with another c-section and getting that glass of water in the recovery room was the best thing ever.

LovesBooks · September 2014

Midwife group I'm with for delivery allows food. Even told us they have a fridge and freezer just for patient food while they are laboring. They did recommend liquid based items (popsicles and jello) since we'll be super thirsty but they didn't forbid any food.

BabyRN2009 · September 2014

Depends on what they're using to induce. If they went right to pitocin, then no food. Same with an epidural. If they're not using pitocin yet then I have no idea why she can't eat...

PacoCat33 · September 2014

Thanks everyone!

@BabyRN2009‌ she is on pitocin... Why no food specifically on pitocin?

lovelovelove09 · September 2014

what about wine?

)

Drgn30 · September 2014

this seriously antiquated rule is why it's so important to hydrate and nourish yourself during early labor.

Eora3 · September 2014

I totally got screwed with this stupid policy when I was induced with my older son. I got cervidil at the hospital the night before. The attending OB (not my regular OB) broke my water at 7am and then told me I couldn't eat or drink anything until I had the baby. I hadn't even had breakfast and wasn't even in actual labor yet!!!

I labored all day and didn't even get ice chips. By the time I had to have my emergency c-section at 10:30 that night, my mouth was so dry I couldn't swallow the powder that prevents you from puking during surgery. They literally had to give me a sip of water to get it down. I was miserable!

Be warned!!! Eat first and bring water and snacks to hide in your hospital bag (honey sticks are apparently awesome for an energy boost during labor).

My regular OB said it is a totally meaningless policy. They give you medication to prevent you from puking before surgery anyway and it is extremely rare for anyone to need to be completely put under for a c-section. On top of that, she said that it is almost unheard of to have someone puke under general anesthesia anyway. I can't find the link but I read a study that showed that there hadn't been a single documented instance of anyone aspirating under modern general anesthesia during a c-section. So it is pretty much a superstition not based on any facts or evidence.

Jessie333 · September 2014

@amw0914‌ I was going to say the exact same thing about animals.

StopTheRWord · September 2014

I am delivering at a birth center and they encourage you to bring food as they have refrigerators and freezers. I am just not sure how much I would want to, I puked from the pain of my HSG procedure so who knows how labor will go.

marriedinaugust · September 2014

My hospital last time didn't care but I had no interest in food while in labor. I ate around 2pm, got to the hospital at 9pm and gave birth at 3am, I have no clue what I are after birth except some OJ. And my birthing center said make sure to bring food for during and after labor. Honestly if she is hungry I would eat and say screw the rules! Something like a larabar or honey sticks for energy.

kgoodnow · September 2014

I was encouraged to eat at the birthing center. Was transferred to hospital because it had been too long since my water broke. They tried to tell me I couldn't eat. I was like whatever and totally had Qdoba. We need to remember we are not there prisoners. And to take back some control about our births and our bodies. Obviously there are some times when dr knows best but not always.

weezy29 · September 2014

Yes, it's for possible surgery reasons. With my first, I labored for 16 hours with no progress so off for a C-Section I went. That meant no food for the 16 hours plus an additional 24 hours afterwards, except for clear broth. Torture!!! This time I will be shoving something down my throat before heading to the hospital!!

nesenotes · September 2014

Yep, make sure you eat before you go in!! I had a c-sec at 24 hr labor mark and I was starving!! I couldn't even eat till 10 hrs after the damn surgery because I was sick. So yeah, long ass time with no food.

rshamos · September 2014

"They" say that, along with pooping, throwing up is very common while in labor.

soulcupcake · September 2014

Eora3 said:

I totally got screwed with this stupid policy when I was induced with my older son. I got cervidil at the hospital the night before. The attending OB (not my regular OB) broke my water at 7am and then told me I couldn't eat or drink anything until I had the baby. I hadn't even had breakfast and wasn't even in actual labor yet!!! I labored all day and didn't even get ice chips. By the time I had to have my emergency c-section at 10:30 that night, my mouth was so dry I couldn't swallow the powder that prevents you from puking during surgery. They literally had to give me a sip of water to get it down. I was miserable! Be warned!!! Eat first and bring water and snacks to hide in your hospital bag (honey sticks are apparently awesome for an energy boost during labor). My regular OB said it is a totally meaningless policy. They give you medication to prevent you from puking before surgery anyway and it is extremely rare for anyone to need to be completely put under for a c-section. On top of that, she said that it is almost unheard of to have someone puke under general anesthesia anyway. I can't find the link but I read a study that showed that there hadn't been a single documented instance of anyone aspirating under modern general anesthesia during a c-section. So it is pretty much a superstition not based on any facts or evidence.

This delves into the current data and research on food restriction during labor. There's no evidence to support the policy.

"Answer: Yes. In women who are low risk, there is no evidence of harm in eating and drinking during labor.

Evidence: In a Cochrane review, researchers compiled evidence from 5 studies that randomized more than 3100 low-risk women to NPO or eating and drinking during labor. There were no differences between NPO groups and eating/drinking groups with regards to C-sections, instrumental vaginal births, Apgar scores, or any other outcomes assessed. The numbers were insufficient to assess the incidence of Mendelson’s syndrome (aspiration during general anesthesia), an extremely rare outcome that was first reported in the 1940’s. However, since the 1940’s, anesthesia techniques have changed considerably and there is a greater use of regional anesthesia, making occurrence of Mendelson’s syndrome an incredibly rare event. Furthermore, when given freedom to choose whether to eat or drink in labor, many women naturally choose to stop eating the closer they get to delivery. The authors of the review conclude that women should have the right to choose whether or not they would like to eat and drink during labor.(Singata, Tranmer et al. 2010)

So what is the risk of aspiration during general anesthesia for childbirth? In one study, authors examined 4097 maternal deaths that occurred in the U.S. from 1979 to 1990. The risk of aspiration during cesarean childbirth was 0.667 per million women, or approximately 7 events in 10 million births (Hawkins, Koonin et al. 1997). [Side note: The probability of this occurring is less likely than being struck by lightning!] In another study, researchers looked at 11,814 women who were given the freedom to eat and drink during labor, with some women requiring emergency C-sections. There were zero cases of morbidity or mortality reported from aspiration pneumonia, even though 22% of women had eaten solid food (Rooks, Weatherby et al. 1989)."

RayRay007 · September 2014

Rileymom1 said:
Yes, it's for possible surgery reasons. With my first, I labored for 16 hours with no progress so off for a C-Section I went. That meant no food for the 16 hours plus an additional 24 hours afterwards, except for clear broth. Torture!!! This time I will be shoving something down my throat before heading to the hospital!!

Why on earth could you not eat for 24 hrs after? That sounds terrible!

I had an emergency cs and had eaten a full breakfast just 2 hours before. Nobody cared that I had eaten. I had a bland supper later in the afternoon.

I intend to eat and drink during labour this time around.

BabyRN2009 · September 2014

@PacoCat33‌ sorry I didn't see your tag until now! No food while on pitocin is due to increased risk of aspiration if an emergency c-section is needed. Depending on provider, patients may be allowed water and ice chips and some even allow clear liquids (juice, jello, popsicles...). If she's not even allowed water, that's just evil! :-P

Pitocin is a more high risk induction agent, however it is way more controllable (can be adjusted or turned off and out of the system within about 12 minutes), whereas a pill like Cytotec cannot be taken back once given...but patients are allowed to eat on Cytotec (at least at my hospital). Whatever...

MaineMama · September 2014

I had an emergency csection WITH general anesthesia- I had eaten about 15mins before I got knocked out. No barf issues

With my youngest I had a scheduled section. Fasting. Barfed up the goo they give you so you DONT get sick, and still puked during surgery (spinal block). That makes nurses nervous, lol!

Team, sneak in food.

brittandjp · September 2014

I ate at home during my contractions before I left for the hospital because I knew they wouldn't allow me to eat.

I will say, however, ice chips will become your very best friend...until you meet your baby, of course.

BayCamp · September 2014

I'm planning on a birth center birth. They encourage eating but said most women lose their appetites towards the end so even if you did have to transfer/get an emergency cs you would most likely not have a lot in your stomach to aspirate anyways. Not being able to eat yet still being expected to successfully labor and deliver a baby just seems ridiculous.

nesenotes · September 2014

+1 for puking under anesthesia. And I hadn't eaten in 24 hours. And I threw up a lot and heaved for the next 6 hours. Awful! Awful! DH was meeting the baby and I was barfing my brains out.

ninee88 · September 2014

Have no experience with labor as a FTM, but MAN do I get bitchy if I'm not allowed to eat. I had a surgery scheduled for 230pm and wasn't supposed to eat all that day. Well the surgeon ran late (didn't go in until about 7pm) and I was about ready to leave and reschedule. I can't stand not being allowed to eat when I am hungry.

I'll have to look into my OB's policy and make sure to eat before heading in!

JennaRaek · September 2014

My water broke at 3am and we went to the hospital. I didn't even think about eating at that hour. I hadn't eaten since dinner the evening before so I should have. Keeping that in mind this time around. I got breakfast in the hospital. A "white diet" they called it. Toast or oatmeal. Blah. I got one piece of toast. ONE! I drank a TON of water throughout the day though. I don't remember being hungry until after DS was born at 7:15pm. And it was NYE so everything in the hospital was closed. No food. DH and I were both starving at this point. He ran to Sheetz and got us a ton of food at like 9-10pm. Ha. it was great.

runnerbikergirl · September 2014

I had a 40 hour labor with my first, which included 7 hours if pushing. There is no way I could have gone that long, and expended that much energy, with some nutrients. My husband gave me very small amounts of that runners goo with a sip of water every 15-30 min. If your labor is long, you will need a way to keep your energy up so I suggest asking your midwife or OB what they will approve so you can get exactly what you want (flavors, etc ) and don't have to rely on what the hospital has.

AnonnAni · September 2014

I had my kids fast but at the weirdest times of the day and wasn't even hungry during the whole situation. So I am hoping that, that is the case this time around again cuz no eating. Um no I cant do that.

taylojade57 · September 2014

I just hope LO doesn't decide to show up on a Sunday. I will be having chick fil a before I go to the hospital.

abcmom12 · September 2014

I'm eating a protein shake or my electroylte solution before I go in and DH will be packing a water bottle full of Shaklee so I don't get dehydrated. damn ice chips didn't even have time to melt a bit before I spit them out for a contraction.

orange1414 · September 2014

My midwife group permits and encourages it, but they have a c-section rate of just 6 percent, so not many of their patients need to worry about even that slight risk from anesthesia.

drpayne · September 2014

You may be surprised at how repulsed you are by food once you're actually in labor. With my first, we had just ordered take out and once labor started, I couldn't even let DH eat anything because the smell made me so sick. That said, asking a woman to go hours and hours with no food while expecting her to have the energy to push out a baby is pretty stupid.

Want a personalized experience?

No food during labor?

Re: No food during labor?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards