Best Thing(s) to Eat Before Heading to Hospital?

saladflambe · March 2016

Really random...

Everyone says to eat before you go to the hospital for delivery because, of course, you likely won't be able to eat again until you've had the baby...and that can take a while! I've heard you should not eat a high-fat meal, but what should you eat?? Protein? Carbs? A lot? A small amount? (Because you may just throw it up...)

Suggestions from those who've done it before?

sarawifenow · March 2016

FTM here so not speaking from experience, but H and I just had our first childbirth class this past weekend and the instructor said high protein snacks are good before you go. She mentioned peanut butter, protein bars, and nuts.

Jessie42613 · March 2016

The day I went into labor I made myself an egg sandwich for breakfast, and that's it. I was having some contractions starting around 8am. However, I didn't have the desire to eat once things got going (went to the hospital at 1pm)

Once in the hospital, I did feel a little hungry and I had DH sneak me bites of a granola bar before it was time to push. No regrets lol

lalala2004 · March 2016

I was planning on eating a high protein/fiber cereal (I eat Kashi) because it seems like it would be pretty easy on the stomach. However, if I'm craving something else at the time I'll go for it, whatever it is!

yogahh · March 2016

Great topic. I was planning on pasta with a light sauce of some sort and a protein like shrimp. I figured the carbs would give me energy?

ehowa499 · March 2016

When I was in early labor everything made me feel super nauseous. I ended up eating some applesauce and a bowl of cheerios with milk. I couldn't stand anything but water later once I got to the hospital- they let me have apple juice and it made me want to throw up. My plan this time- eat whatever I feel like eating when the time comes

MississippiCatfish · March 2016

I had trail mix and a PB jelly sandwich on the way out the door to the hospital.

clairemwalker · March 2016

My waters broke just as i was starting to prepare dinner, so i was advised to only eat something light. I had some yoghurt and a banana, and i didnt feel like eating or get hungry throughout my labour. My waters broke at 7.30pm, labour started properly at about 11pm and i had her at 3.15am. I wasnt hungry until it was all over, my midwife brought me toast and a muffin at about 4.30am after she was done stitching me up and i had to force it down. I think different ladies would advise differently but i would certainly stay away from anything stodgy or heavy. We were going to have pasta, but lots of women get nauseous, and as my mw pointed out to me when she advised something light, you never know if you may need an emergency c - section in which case you wouldnt want a whole belly full of food in case they need to put you under. Unlikely, but it happens

AdorkablePixie · March 2016

I wouldn't eat something heavy. We just took a Lamaze class and she suggested light foods and to try to stick with stuff that won't be heavy on the stomach. I'd probably do yogurt, bread, fruit, something small. My instruction also recommended eating and drinking liquids during labor if you want - popsicles, Gatorade, anything clear.

saladflambe · March 2016

AdorkablePixie said:

I wouldn't eat something heavy. We just took a Lamaze class and she suggested light foods and to try to stick with stuff that won't be heavy on the stomach. I'd probably do yogurt, bread, fruit, something small. My instruction also recommended eating and drinking liquids during labor if you want - popsicles, Gatorade, anything clear.

Vodka? Tequila?

I'm completely kidding. Talk about nausea lol.

I was thinking as I ate my breakfast that my raisin toast that I've been eating every day is probably a good option. I also hear bananas are a good option.

SmrBrd2012 · March 2016

I think I had chinese food....the night before. lol. But I was in prodromal labor for 3 days so I kinda gave up and just ate whatever the hell I wanted. Once we got there I was in so much pain that I really wasn't hungry anyway.

hecubus330 · March 2016

I ate crackers between contractions. When they started getting closer together I really wasn't hungry anymore

lionstigersbears · March 2016

Oatmeal with some maple syrup, or wheat pasta with some olive oil and Parmesan cheese!

AdorkablePixie · March 2016

saladflambe said:

AdorkablePixie said:

I wouldn't eat something heavy. We just took a Lamaze class and she suggested light foods and to try to stick with stuff that won't be heavy on the stomach. I'd probably do yogurt, bread, fruit, something small. My instruction also recommended eating and drinking liquids during labor if you want - popsicles, Gatorade, anything clear.

Vodka? Tequila?

I'm completely kidding. Talk about nausea lol.

I was thinking as I ate my breakfast that my raisin toast that I've been eating every day is probably a good option. I also hear bananas are a good option.

LOL It might help with the pain anyway. haha

GinnyJ2012 · March 2016

yogahh said:

Great topic. I was planning on pasta with a light sauce of some sort and a protein like shrimp. I figured the carbs would give me energy?

Both times I went to the hospital it was 5am. You may want to think of something that's morning friendly also.

I had oatmeal both times, and threw it up both times. I'll probably have something similar this time too depending on when I go into active labor. When deciding, consider how the food will be coming back up. Not everyone throws up during labor, but everyone I know did at least once.

snowhite12 · March 2016

The night before I was going to be induced I went all out because I knew I couldn't eat the whole next day. My H and I went out to Olive Garden, I ate seafood Alfredo, a salad and bread sticks. I didn't even come close to finishing the pasta but it was sooo good. If I have to be induced again with this one, I plan on doing the same thing.

Ceridwen77 · March 2016

I had plans to eat some big, delicious meal, but when I actually went into labor, food was the farthest thing from my mind. I didn't want to eat; it was like my body had one job so all of my focus was there.

Gingermom15 · March 2016

I went into labor just a few hours before my induction. Not active labor, but cramping and timeable contractions. I waited to go in until my scheduled time but eating was the last thing I could do. That was the absolute worst explosive diarrhea I have ever had with flu-like nausea. Sorry for the tmi but just a heads up for FTM's that things don't always go swimmingly

of course, plan those dinners in case your body can handle it but be aware there is a good chance you won't want to eat.

delujm0 · March 2016

I went into labor at home and around lunch time my contractions were 5 minutes apart, but I told DH we had to wait to leave for the hospital because I needed to eat first. I had a turkey sandwich (toasted - didn't want to chance the raw lunchmeat even when the kid was ready to come out haha) and some chips and an apple. DD was born less than 12 hours later, and they brought me food at the hospital a couple of hours after that. I was STARVING. I did also eat breakfast that morning before the contractions were too bad, but I don't remember what I had...probably eggs or something.

I do kind of wish I had left for the hospital earlier because the triage nurses I was dealing with were terrible and did not believe I was in labor, and I had to sit there for 2.5 HOURS before they would admit me (at which point contractions were 2 minutes apart and I was 6cm dilated and BEGGING FOR AN EPIDURAL) so...next time I might make that sandwich to go. Ha. :-)

newbabymakes4 · March 2016

I totally forgot about eating before I went to the hospital with DS, my water broke at 5pm and I just freaked out and went straight there, leaving my brain (and hospital bag) at home. Then once I got situated in a room, DH and my ILs had dinner right in front of me while I got ice chips and clear soup (drs thought I would be induced the next day and approved clear liquids, and then I had DS 4 hours later). Agree with pp's about high protein snacks, but maybe not a full/heavy meal. Yogurt, nuts, cheese, granola bars, etc. I have to remember this for this time around...

sorarose · March 2016

I had probably 4 slices of pineapple pizza, but my contractions were something like 20 minutes apart and I had already ordered the pizza before they started. I ended up having to go to the hospital a few hours later, but so happy I had that pizza because I didn't eat anything for almost 24 hours straight!

kimey1 · March 2016

newbabymakes4 said:

I totally forgot about eating before I went to the hospital with DS, my water broke at 5pm and I just freaked out and went straight there, leaving my brain (and hospital bag) at home. Then once I got situated in a room, DH and my ILs had dinner right in front of me while I got ice chips and clear soup (drs thought I would be induced the next day and approved clear liquids, and then I had DS 4 hours later). Agree with pp's about high protein snacks, but maybe not a full/heavy meal. Yogurt, nuts, cheese, granola bars, etc. I have to remember this for this time around...

I'm shocked your DH and in-laws ate in front of you. Why couldn't they eat outside and come back when they know you can't eat?

meansallison · March 2016

D15 mom, was starving when I was on my way to the hospital, however I'm glad I didn't eat anything because I felt like puking while i was pushing. I definitely would have if I had food in my stomach

ammnam14 · March 2016

I had a handful of almonds the morning I went to the hospital. Eating was the last thing on my mind. I labored at home for 20 hours and finally went in for the last 8 hours. Needless to say I was starving by the time DD arrived. That first meal post baby was delicious! Next time around I'll try to eat a high protein/carb meal because pushing is exhausting.

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