Can I eat during labor?
Will I be “allowed” to eat during labor!?! This is a question we hear a lot. The simple answer is YES! Yes, of course, you are allowed to eat during labor and several organizations including the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and the World Health Organization formally recommend healthy mothers have access to food and drink during labor.
So why do some women only have ice-chips?
Though the practice is not recommended by most maternal health organizations, many clinicians and institutions still routinely withhold food and drink from women during labor. In the most recent Listening To Mothers Survey, about 80% of women reported that they were not allowed to eat and 60% of respondents said they were not able to drink during labor and birth. Even though The American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecologists formally recommends that low-risk women have access to beverages during labor and birth, they along with The American Society of Anesthesiologist still recommend some restrictions on food during labor which is mostly due to routine practice. If you are concerned about food and drink restrictions you should talk with your provider to make sure that they support your plan to eat and drink as you wish during labor.
What are the benefits of eating and drinking in labor?
Staying well-nourished and hydrated throughout labor is almost always ideal. The birth process can be long, so it’s important to fuel your body for this marathon. Having adequatefood and drink will help increase your endurance during labor and birth, reduce stress and anxiety, and give you optimal strength.
Food + Beverages For Early Labor:
On average early labor lasts approximately 8-12 hours, so you will probably have one or two meals and maybe even a few snacks during this time. You should trust your own judgment and eat and drink what you want. The following suggestions are examples of convenient food and beverages you may want to consider because they take little or no time to prepare. These one-handed snacks are ideal since you will be busy laboring away:
Food + Beverages For Active Labor:
The later stages of labor really command your attention, so you probably won’t be interested in eating a meal or even a big snack. The time between contractions is also limited, and you want to prioritize your time resting, to maintain your strength. It’s a great idea to have a drink after each contraction, and if you are hungry, eat something that can provide quick, easily available energy to your body. The following snacks and drinks are great options for you during active labor.
Food + Beverages for Your Birth Partner:
What about Dad? Your birth partner will need to stay nourished and hydrated, as well, during labor and birth. It’s a great idea to have simple, pre-portioned, and easily accessible snacks for your main birth support person (He/she can be in charge of packing snacks for both of you.)
- Granola Bars
- Trail mix or nuts
- Individual packs of crackers or chips
- Apple slices
- Juice boxes
- ‘Healthy-ish’ chocolate bar (share with mom, too!)
What did you eat during labor? Do you have any suggestions on snacks to pack and bring with you to the hospital?
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FAQs
So while you can absolutely drink water in labour you definitely have other options. An obvious choice is juice. Apple, orange, cranberry, or whatever else you happen to like. Juice will give you the calories and energy you need to keep going with labour.
What should I eat during labor? ›
What are the body's nutritional needs during labor?
- Oral carbohydrate-based fluids.
- Date fruit or date syrup.
- Low fat yogurt.
- Bread, biscuits.
- Vegetables.
- Fruits.
- Soup.
- Fruit juices.
So while you can absolutely drink water in labour you definitely have other options. An obvious choice is juice. Apple, orange, cranberry, or whatever else you happen to like. Juice will give you the calories and energy you need to keep going with labour.
What to snack on during labor? ›
What are the best snacks for labour?
- Bananas and other fresh fruits.
- Sandwiches made with wholemeal bread and healthy fillings such as chicken, houmous or sliced banana.
- Wholegrain toast, biscuits and crackers.
- Energy bars (be sure to check the sugar content).
- Breadsticks.
- Dried fruits and nuts.
Greek yogurt, nut butter, protein shakes, and cheese will all go down easy and offer your body the protein it needs to help you through labor.
What foods help soften the cervix? ›
“Eating dates may help soften the cervix and promote spontaneous labor,” Pearce says. In one study, women who ate date fruit for four weeks prior to their due date were less likely to need a formal induction.
What foods speed up labor? ›
Here, she explains the theories behind common labor-inducing techniques and explains whether they could help expectant moms.
- Spicy food. Perhaps one of the most well-known theories is that eating spicy food can bring on labor. ...
- Prunes. ...
- Walking. ...
- Sex. ...
- Dates. ...
- Red raspberry leaf tea. ...
- Castor oil. ...
- Evening primrose oil.
Coconut Water:
Coconut water is basically nature's Gatorade. It is full of electrolytes and potassium. Both of which are needed to sustain and help our bodies to recover from intense work (like labor). Be sure to get a brand that doesn't have nasty additives or preservatives, like this one.
Is Gatorade good for labor? ›
Our top suggestions are things like yogurt, eggs, cheese, or heck, even a milkshake. While you're eating those snacks, also consider drinking water or electrolyte-rich fluids like Gatorade or Coconut Water. This will help keep you hydrated and keep those contractions efficient.
What candy can you eat during labor? ›
Jolly Ranchers
Teen is a fan of hard candy during labor: “It's great for mamas who aren't permitted to eat during labor… [and it] keeps your mouth moist and may curb nausea.”
Snacks: Crackers, granola bars, water, Gatorade, trail mix, nuts, bread, or peanut butter. Pack a mix of your favorite foods to provide that familiar feeling of home, and nutrient-rich snacks to keep you and your family healthy. Don't forget a reusable water bottle and spare change for the vending machines.
What are liquid snacks for labor? ›
Snacks ideas for early labor:
Fresh smoothies. Bananas/apples with almond or peanut butter. Yogurt. Clear liquids such as 100% apple or white grape juice.
What fruits are good for labor and delivery? ›
Pineapple is rich, wonderfully tangy, and bursting with vitamin C, and a fresh wedge of pineapple may be your ticket to setting labor in motion. This vibrant tropical fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is believed to ripen the cervix and stimulate contractions.
Should a woman eat during labor? ›
Above all, doctors still recommend that you eat light and preferably during early labor rather than in the later stages. Foods to avoid during labor include rich foods such as large pieces of meat and heavy meals. Though rare, if aspiration does occur during labor, solid foods are more dangerous than liquids.
What not to do during labor? ›
What NOT To Do in Labor
- DON'T stress out. Yes, this is easier said than done (which is why we recommend great childbirth classes and lots of mental preparation during pregnancy). ...
- DON'T hold your breath. ...
- DON'T forget to make a social media plan.
False. Evidence suggesting some foods, like spicy foods, pineapple and bananas may induce labor, is purely anecdotal. These foods may increase acid reflux – which is a common problem in the later stages of pregnancy – so you may want to avoid them.
Do you get really hungry before labor? ›
As the labor begins, the expecting mother can get thirsty and hungry.
