Food and Drink in Labor?

Well, labor is hard work too. And yet, many families are surprised to learn that their hospital may restrict what they can eat and drink once they’re admitted in labor.

So, what’s the deal? Is it really unsafe to eat during labor, or is this one of those hospital policies that deserves a closer look?

Why do hospitals restrict food and drinks during labor?

Traditionally, hospitals have restricted eating and drinking during labor because of concerns about anesthesia. If an emergency cesarean becomes necessary and general anesthesia is used, there’s a small risk that stomach contents could enter the lungs. This is called aspiration, and it can be serious.

These concerns date back to the 1940s, when anesthesia practices were quite different from what they are today. Modern anesthesia techniques have greatly reduced the risk, and most cesarean births now take place using regional anesthesia, such as a spinal or epidural, rather than general anesthesia.

So, while there are legitimate medical reasons to restrict food and drinks in certain situations, researchers have questioned whether these restrictions are necessary for everyone.

What does the research say?

A Cochrane review examined five studies involving more than 3,000 women in labor. Researchers found no evidence that restricting food and drinks improved birth outcomes for women at low risk of complications.

That doesn’t mean eating during labor is completely without risk, particularly for someone who may need general anesthesia. But it does raise an important question: Should everyone be restricted simply because some people might need additional medical care?

The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) has also encouraged a more individualized approach to eating and drinking during labor, taking into consideration a person’s health, risk factors, and preferences.

The World Health Organization (WHO) goes a step further, recommending that women at low risk be allowed to eat and drink during labor.

What can you actually eat or drink in the hospital?

This is where things can get a little frustrating, because the answer depends on where you’re giving birth.

Some hospitals allow clear liquids, while others have more restrictive policies. Clear liquids may include water, pulp-free juice, clear tea, sports drinks, and broth. Solid foods are often restricted once someone is admitted in active labor.

Here in Tampa Bay, hospital policies can vary, and your individual care provider may have additional recommendations based on your medical circumstances.

If you’re planning a hospital birth, we encourage you to ask about these policies before you’re in labor. It’s much easier to have these conversations when you’re comfortable and not in the middle of contractions.

A few good questions to ask:

• Will I be allowed to eat during early labor?
• What drinks are permitted once I’m admitted?
• Do the rules change if I have an epidural or an induction?
• Are there circumstances when additional restrictions would be necessary?

Your birth doula can help you explore these questions and prepare for conversations with your care provider.

What about eating during a home birth or birth center birth?

Birth centers and home birth midwives generally take a more flexible approach to food and drinks during labor, encouraging healthy, low-risk laboring people to listen to their bodies.

Some people feel hungry in early labor and enjoy a light meal or snack. Others have absolutely no interest in food once contractions become stronger. Both are perfectly normal.

If you do feel like eating, simple, easy-to-digest foods such as toast, bananas, applesauce, or crackers may be appealing. Staying hydrated is important too, whether that means sipping water, an electrolyte drink, or another beverage that sounds good.

Of course, your midwife will make recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

The bottom line

Labor is a physically demanding experience, and being comfortable, hydrated, and supported matters. We believe families deserve to understand the reasons behind hospital policies and be involved in decisions about their care.

Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, birth center birth, or home birth, it’s worth having a conversation about eating and drinking during labor ahead of time.

And remember, just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean you can’t ask questions about it.

For a deeper look at the research, we recommend this excellent article from Evidence Based Birth.

You can also learn more about preparing for labor, understanding your options, and making informed decisions in our Labor and Birth Preparation Guide.