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Eating and drinking in labor: should it be allowed?
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. dean.maharaj@otago.ac.nz
Summary
Allowing food and fluids during labor is debated due to aspiration risks. Current evidence suggests risks are low, but more research is needed to determine benefits and harms of liberal intake during childbirth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Anesthesiology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Labor practices regarding food and fluid intake vary globally.
- Historical restrictions stem from concerns about aspiration pneumonitis during cesarean delivery.
- The perceived risk of aspiration often outweighs available evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on eating and drinking during labor.
- To explore the controversy surrounding fluid and food intake during childbirth.
- To identify gaps in research regarding fasting times and aspiration risk.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of major databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL).
- Inclusion of historical articles, texts, and cited references.
- Analysis of existing studies on labor management and anesthetic complications.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the safety and potential benefits of fluid intake during labor.
- The actual risk of aspiration pneumonitis related to anesthesia is documented as low.
- Insufficient data exists to definitively link fasting duration to aspiration risk during labor.
Conclusions:
- Fear of liability, not evidence, often dictates restrictive labor policies.
- Further research is essential to establish optimal guidelines for food and fluid intake during labor.
- Evidence-based practice should guide decisions on allowing oral intake during childbirth.
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