Imagine running a marathon while being told you can’t consume anything for hours beforehand. While I may not have completed a marathon, I have experienced childbirth twice. If someone had suggested to me that I could not eat during the intense hours of labor—when my body was undergoing immense changes and enduring painful contractions—I would have reacted strongly.
Yet, many hospitals across the United States maintain a strict “no food or drink during labor” policy. Ice chips are available, but solid food is off the table, leaving many women hungry during a demanding time.
I had the opportunity to give birth with the assistance of a midwife outside a hospital setting, where I was not only permitted to eat but also encouraged to do so. During the early phase of my first labor, when contractions were mild and sporadic, I enjoyed a warm egg and cheese sandwich. For my second labor, a bowl of cereal and milk provided comfort—a much-needed source of energy for the journey ahead.
As I approached the end of my first labor, my midwife urged me to eat since I hadn’t had anything in eight hours. Despite my overwhelming contractions, she insisted that even a small amount of soup or juice would help replenish my energy. I managed five bites of soup before feeling nauseous, but my midwife was just glad I had consumed something. Shortly after, I experienced a surge of energy and successfully gave birth to my son.
A few years later, I accompanied a friend named Sarah to her hospital birth. While her experience was valid and empowering, I noticed the stark difference in our situations: Sarah was not allowed to eat or drink during labor. She was hungry and survived on ice chips alone. I felt compelled to sneak her a granola bar, but I refrained.
Fortunately, there’s a shift in perspective regarding this issue among medical professionals. In 2015, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommended that laboring women should be allowed to eat and drink whenever possible. This recommendation comes after a review of 385 studies published since 1990, which indicated minimal risk associated with consuming food and drink during labor. In fact, they found that restricting nourishment could prolong labor.
Longer labors are certainly not desirable. The ASA explains that failing to provide food can deplete energy levels and lead to emotional distress, potentially affecting blood flow to the uterus and prolonging labor. It’s essentially torture to force a laboring woman to abstain from eating when she is engaged in one of the most demanding physical tasks of her life.
There are exceptions for high-risk individuals, such as those with eclampsia or preeclampsia, who may need to avoid food and drink. However, for healthy, low-risk women, these outdated rules should be reconsidered. Every laboring woman should consult her healthcare provider to discuss her individual case regarding eating and drinking during labor.
In speaking with friends who have recently given birth, it seems that only a minority of hospitals have updated their policies in light of this report. Many facilities have yet to adapt. It’s crucial that they catch up to ensure women can access the nutrition they need during labor.
If you find yourself in a situation where food is denied, but you believe you are a low-risk candidate, consider discussing the ASA’s study with your healthcare provider at your next appointment. It’s worth advocating for your right to have a snack during labor. After all, every bit of nourishment can be vital in preparing for the monumental task of bringing new life into the world.
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In summary, the argument for allowing women to eat and drink during labor is gaining traction, backed by recent research indicating that nourishment can aid in the labor process. It’s time for hospitals to reevaluate their policies to better support laboring women.