Does Oral Intake During Labor and Delivery Have an Effect on Complications and Outcome

Vaginal birth can be a prolonged process, especially during the first delivery. The recommendations regarding eating and drinking during the labor and delivery process are not clear. There is no agreement between the physicians regarding eating and drinking while being in labor in the birthing center. This disagreement is due to lack of research in this field and inconclusive results in previous studies.

Prolonged fasting during labor can lead to execution of the patients making them tired and less tolerant to the pain, decreasing their ability to cooperate during the pushing phase. However, the recommendation to avoid eating has justified by the risk for unplanned cesarean section which is done under fasting. In general, cesarean sections are done under regional anesthesia but if there is a need for general anesthesia (due to pain or urgency), there is a risk for aspiration if the patient has not been fasting.

We also know that the stomach is clearing slower in the labor process, therefore some recommend fasting during labor.

In recent years there is a decrease in the use of general anesthesia during cesarean sections and since the incidence of aspiration during cesarean section is rare and due to the demand from the patients for autonomy and controlling their labor process including the option of eating the debate regarding eating during labor and delivery is justified.

In 2009 an ACOG(American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ) committee report concluded that there is not enough evidence regarding the link between drinking clear fluids and reflux , vomiting and aspiration during labor.