What to eat and drink in labour: nourishment in the early stage

“Can I eat once labour starts, or should I go hungry?” is one of the questions that comes up most when packing the hospital bag. Labour can last many hours, sometimes more than a day, and your body uses energy throughout. This article explains the general approach; what applies to you is the policy of the hospital where you will give birth.

What is the general approach?

Guidance from bodies such as ACOG and NICE says that for people at low risk, light food and clear fluids in early labour are often acceptable. The aim is to avoid thirst and hunger while keeping things safe in case anaesthesia is needed. As labour progresses, digestion may slow, nausea can increase, and most people do not feel like eating anyway.

Why do hospital practices differ?

Some hospitals allow only water and clear fluids, some allow light snacks, and some ask that nothing is taken by mouth once labour starts. The reason is safety protocols for the possibility of an emergency caesarean or general anaesthesia. If you have a risk factor (for example diabetes, a previous caesarean or a baby who needs closer monitoring), the team may suggest a different plan.

So the best step is to ask your doctor or midwife at an antenatal appointment, “What can I eat and drink in labour?” You can add the answer to your birth plan or notes.

What may suit the early stage?

If your hospital allows it, light and easily digested choices usually feel best:

• Water, diluted fruit juice, clear tea or warm drinks
• Toast, crackers, rusks or plain biscuits
• Energy-giving fruit such as banana, dried apricot or dates
• Small portions such as bread with honey or molasses
• Plain yoghurt or a light soup (at home, in early labour)

Avoiding greasy, spicy and heavy meals is generally more comfortable. This is not a list of rules but a loose frame to use while listening to your body.

Before you leave for the hospital

While you are at home in early labour, small and frequent eating and drinking is usually well tolerated. Taking fluids in sips helps you avoid dehydration. If you feel sick, do not force food; fluids are often enough.

When you decide to go, see the article on the birth day departure plan for timing.

What can you pack?

1. A water bottle, and a cup with a lid or straw
2. Packaged snacks such as crackers, rusks or plain biscuits
3. Dried fruit or dates
4. A small energy or electrolyte drink, if your hospital allows it
5. Lip balm (for a dry mouth)
6. Snacks for your partner too: it can be a long day

You can add these items to the hospital bag checklist in the app.

Eating and drinking after birth

After birth, if you are well, you can usually start eating and drinking fairly soon. After a caesarean, the hospital team will tell you when to start. If breastfeeding has begun, you may feel thirstier; keeping water within reach helps.

When to contact your doctor

• If constant nausea and vomiting stop you from keeping fluids down
• If you feel very thirsty, dizzy, weak or notice dark urine
• If you have a condition such as diabetes and do not know how to eat in labour
• If contractions are regular, your waters break or there is bleeding, go to the hospital
• For severe abdominal pain, confusion or breathlessness, call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number

Frequently asked questions

Must I eat nothing in labour? This depends on your hospital and your health. Asking your doctor or midwife before the birth and noting the answer is the safest way.

Should I stop eating if I plan to have an epidural? The hospital team decides what you can eat and drink around the epidural. You can talk with the anaesthetist beforehand.

What can I do if I get very thirsty? Take permitted fluids in sips; if they are not allowed, ask the team about ice chips, lip balm or rinsing your mouth.

This article is for information only; your hospital’s and doctor’s instructions on eating and drinking come first.