Should I eat in labor‪?‬ Your Birth Advocate

Today we are going to compare the research and policies of countries in regards to eating in labor. By the end of this episode, you should have enough things in your toolbox to make an informed choice for yourself.



DISCLAIMER: During this episode, I used some language that was not inclusive due to the used research language. I apologize for this. I did my best to read one word and say another, but admittedly, it is not perfect.



ARTICLES DISCUSSED IN THE PODCAST (Some are repeated as they were used in multiple parts of the podcast):

Risks of Aspiration: 

https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2015/11/eating-a-light-meal-during-labor

Anatomy of labor and history of nothing by mouth diet: 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889853702000299?via%3Dihub

Comparing the recommended standards from different organizations and countries:

https://journals.lww.com/mcnjournal/Abstract/2010/07000/Oral_Intake_During_Labor__A_Review_of_the_Evidence.5.aspx

https://www.oaa-anaes.ac.uk/assets/_managed/editor/File/Guidelines/oral%20intake/oral_intake_donald_n_bristolNHSTrust.pdf

Research used:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28178059/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2660391/

https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2015/11/eating-a-light-meal-during-labor

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003930.pub3/full

https://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/Abstract/2018/03000/CE__Original_Research__An_Investigation_into_the.21.aspx



American Society of Anesthesiologists recommendation for clear liquids in labor:

https://pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology/article/124/2/270/12693/Practice-Guidelines-for-Obstetric-AnesthesiaAn