Women's Preferences for Oral Intake During Labour: A Scoping Review

Historically, oral intake during labour has been restricted due to concerns about aspiration under general anesthesia. Contemporary evidence now shows this risk is extremely rare. A 2013 Cochrane review supports unrestricted intake for low-risk women, yet clinical practices remain inconsistent, often shaped by clinician preference. The aim of this study is to explore and synthesize the existing literature on women's preferences and experiences regarding eating and drinking during labour.

This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Using the Population/Concept/Context framework this scoping review included: English language, full text, empirical studies focused on women's experiences and views of oral intake during labour. The search findings were screened and data were extracted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The Quality Assessment for Diverse Studies tool was used to assess study quality.

The search yielded 124 articles for screening, with eight included in the review. Women reported that they prefer to self-regulate and view oral intake not only as a strategy to maintain energy and hydration, but as a comfort and coping strategy. Institutional policy and clinical advice shaped women's experiences of oral intake during labour.

Evidence on women's experiences of oral intake during labour is limited. Available findings indicate that oral intake supports women's comfort, coping, and energy. Women valued autonomy and informed choice and associated restrictive practices, often influenced by institutional policies and clinical guidance, with negative experiences and uncertainty. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and support woman-centred approaches to oral intake in labour.