For a long time, there have been certain misconceptions about women eating during labor. They were always told not to eat anything during labor because it's very dangerous both for them and their baby. However, a new study suggests that there is a possibility that it may not true, and that a light meal could actually be a good thing.
Mothers who have been through labor say starving their way through the whole process didn't seem adequate. One mom-to-be told CBS news that she doesn't really think ice chips is enough. For many years, it has been a rule for mothers on labor to not have anything solid or liquid in fear of inhaling it into the lungs especially during general anesthesia. These days, however, anesthesia has changed. Doctors usually do epidural block or spinal anesthesia.
Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, an obstetrician at NYU Langone Medical Center described the "no eating and drinking during labor" rule that have been set as outdated and ancient. She also added that practices like these don't affect women in majority.
According to a recent study, American Society of Anesthesiologists noticed that eating a light meal has a good effect on women. Researchers considered a lot recent studies about this and concluded that mother's in labor need as much calories and energy as those people running a marathon. Failure to meet the required energy and calories will make their body turn into fat. This will have a grave effect of the contraction which can make labor last longer and lower birth scores for the newborn.
"For low risk women, drinking and having a light meal is okay," said Dr. Shirazian. It will not be easy for every obstetrician to change protocol right away, but experts say, both parties should discuss the pros and cons of eating and drinking in the hospital during labor and the health risks or benefits it can give.
