Labor is the culmination of a process eagerly awaited by the mother. After so many weeks of changes, doubts, problems arising and being resolved, it is finally time to have the baby. But if you think that the moment of labor is free of uncertainties, you are mistaken. One question that many mothers and their companions on this journey have is about eating during labor. After all, what is allowed or not? To what extent is eating at such a delicate time beneficial or harmful? These and other issues related to this topic will be discussed in today’s text. But first, it is necessary to explain exactly how labor usually occurs.

What is Labor?

Labor is simply a set of signs that a woman’s body is preparing for childbirth1. Although these symptoms may be stronger in some women and weaker in others, in general, it is quite easy to identify when you are in labor. Some of the main signs that this is happening are:

  • Contractions – Contractions can start happening many days before true labor actually begins2. You need to pay attention to the interval between them. The shorter the interval, the closer you are to labor. It is also important to remember that they are usually accompanied by severe cramps that start in the back and move to the belly.
  • Rupture of the amniotic sac – This is one of the most evident signs that a woman is in labor3. The amount of amniotic fluid that comes out may vary from woman to woman, but it is still possible to perceive the difference.
  • Loss of the mucus plug – The mucus plug comes out of the woman’s vagina a few days before the baby is born4. It is a pinkish discharge when it comes out, but it played the important role of sealing the cervix during pregnan

Is It Allowed to Eat During Labor?

Until recently, it was believed that eating during this period could be harmful to the woman and negatively affect childbirth in some way, but recent studies have shown exactly the opposite. Not only is it allowed to eat during labor, it is necessary. Labor can last for many hours and require a lot of energy from the woman. To prevent her from feeling extremely tired and weak, it is important that she eats well during this time. Another very important point directly related to eating during labor is the intake of water. In addition to keeping the woman hydrated, going to the bathroom frequently helps the body prepare for the baby’s birth.

What is the Best Diet During Labor?

Of course, not all types of food are good for women during labor, so we have listed some of the main options for you to know what is best to eat during labor. Some of the main foods are:

  • Pear
  • Apple
  • Cooked carrot
  • Cooked pumpkin
  • Fish
  • Chicken
  • Whole grain toasts or bread

As you can see, it is important to prioritize light and easily digestible foods, since the woman’s abdomen will be constantly under strain in the coming hours and making the stomach and intestine work harder is not a good idea.

What to Avoid During Labor?

Precisely due to the fact that women may experience various types of discomfort caused by certain foods, many of them are not recommended during labor. Some of them are:

  • Pasta
  • Red meat
  • Chocolate
  • Fried foods
  • Cakes

The main idea is to avoid very heavy or fatty foods, as they can cause severe cramps in women and also require much more effort from the body during labor. It is also important to remember that once a woman enters the delivery room, she can no longer eat. Labor can last several hours, so being well-nourished beforehand helps provide strength and energy. It is therefore recommended to eat before leaving home so you are prepared for childbirth upon arriving at the hospital.

Can Food Change Depending on Delivery Type?

When it comes to cesarean surgery, many doubts about eating also arise. In this case, the woman must have a minimum fasting period of 6 hours, with the ideal being up to 8 hours. This requirement exists due to the anesthesia administered before surgery, which avoids the risk of choking due to undigested food. It’s worth emphasizing that often women do not go into labor when having a cesarean, since it is a scheduled procedure and does not necessarily follow the body’s natural cues. Labor is a magical moment full of meaning for a woman. Precisely because of this, she may forget how important it is to stay nourished and hydrated to keep her energy up. This energy, by the way, will be essential for the baby to be born more easily. Let’s not forget that not being well-nourished can affect the baby in several ways, and no one wants to risk their child’s health at this stage. Even though there are restrictions depending on the type of birth, it is important to know all this information, as it will be useful to every woman going through labor. In the end, the most important thing is to keep yourself well, because that way the baby will be well too. And that’s what every mother wants. Also read: Length of Hospital Stay for Each Birth Photo: Fotoshop Tofs