The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010 Issue 1
Singata M, Tranmer J, Gyte GML. Restricting oral fluid and food intake during labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD003930. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003930.pub2
Eating and drinking in labour
In some cultures, food and drinks are
consumed during labour for nourishment and comfort to help meet the demands of
labour. However, in many birth settings, oral intake is restricted in response
to work by Mendelson in the 1940s. Mendelson reported that during general
anaesthesia, there was an increased risk of the stomach contents entering the
lungs. The acid nature of the stomach liquid and the presence of food particles
were particularly dangerous, and potentially could lead to severe lung disease
or death. Since the 1940s, obstetrical anaesthesia has changed considerably,
with better general anaesthetic techniques and a greater use of regional
anaesthesia. These advances, and the reports by women that they found the
restrictions unpleasant, have led to research looking at these restrictions. In
addition, poor nutritional balance may be associated with longer and more
painful labours, and fasting does not guarantee an empty stomach or less
acidity. This review looked at any restriction of fluids and food in labour
compared with women able to eat and drink. The review identified five studies
involving 3130 women. Most studies had looked at specific foods being
recommended, though one study let women to choose what they wished to eat and
drink. The review identified no benefits or harms of restricting foods and
fluids during labour in women at low risk of needing anaesthesia. There were no
studies identified on women at increased risk of needing anaesthesia. None of
the studies looked at women's views of restricting fluids and foods during
labour. Thus, given these findings, women should be free to eat and drink in
labour, or not, as they wish.
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