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Can I Eat During Labor? The Truth Behind the Rule
In this episode of The Birth Brief, we dive into the history behind the "no food during labor" guideline, tracing it back to 1940s anesthesia practices and the emergence of what's now known as Mendelson’s Syndrome. We unpack why general anesthesia led to fasting policies, how modern practices have shifted, and what today’s research really says about food, hydration, and energy during labor.
You’ll hear:
- Why the original food ban made sense at the time — and why it might not anymore
- What current studies say about eating in early labor for low-risk births
- A breakdown of ketosis during labor and whether it needs to be treated
- Common-sense food and drink ideas for staying fueled and hydrated
- When fasting might still be appropriate
Whether you're planning an unmedicated birth or just want to understand your options, this episode is all about evidence, experience, and everything in between.
🧠 Show notes and research links available at mtbirth.com and below.
Salik I, Doherty TM. Mendelson Syndrome. 2023 Jun 12. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30969586.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30969586/
Toohill J, Soong B, Flenady V. Interventions for ketosis during labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jul 16;2008(3):CD004230. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004230.pub2. PMID: 18646103; PMCID: PMC8769494.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8769494/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). Approaches to limit intervention during labor and birth (Committee Opinion No. 766). https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/02/approaches-to-limit-intervention-during-labor-and-birth
American Society of Anesthesiologists. (n.d.). Statement on oral intake during labor. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://www.asahq.org/standards-and-practice-parameters/statement-on-oral-intake-during-labor
Modern Traditions Birth Services. "Can You Eat During Labor? Yes, and Here's Why You Might Want To." Accessed May 13, 2025. https://mtbirth.com/can-you-eat-during-labor-yes-and-heres-why-you-might-want-to/.
📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mtbirth
🎙️ Hosted by doula Emily Paul
View all episodes
By EmilyIn this episode of The Birth Brief, we dive into the history behind the "no food during labor" guideline, tracing it back to 1940s anesthesia practices and the emergence of what's now known as Mendelson’s Syndrome. We unpack why general anesthesia led to fasting policies, how modern practices have shifted, and what today’s research really says about food, hydration, and energy during labor.
You’ll hear:
- Why the original food ban made sense at the time — and why it might not anymore
- What current studies say about eating in early labor for low-risk births
- A breakdown of ketosis during labor and whether it needs to be treated
- Common-sense food and drink ideas for staying fueled and hydrated
- When fasting might still be appropriate
Whether you're planning an unmedicated birth or just want to understand your options, this episode is all about evidence, experience, and everything in between.
🧠 Show notes and research links available at mtbirth.com and below.
Salik I, Doherty TM. Mendelson Syndrome. 2023 Jun 12. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30969586.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30969586/
Toohill J, Soong B, Flenady V. Interventions for ketosis during labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jul 16;2008(3):CD004230. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004230.pub2. PMID: 18646103; PMCID: PMC8769494.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8769494/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). Approaches to limit intervention during labor and birth (Committee Opinion No. 766). https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/02/approaches-to-limit-intervention-during-labor-and-birth
American Society of Anesthesiologists. (n.d.). Statement on oral intake during labor. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://www.asahq.org/standards-and-practice-parameters/statement-on-oral-intake-during-labor
Modern Traditions Birth Services. "Can You Eat During Labor? Yes, and Here's Why You Might Want To." Accessed May 13, 2025. https://mtbirth.com/can-you-eat-during-labor-yes-and-heres-why-you-might-want-to/.
📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mtbirth
🎙️ Hosted by doula Emily Paul