Eating A Childbirth, Safe or Dangerous

You may not be eager to eat or drink when you have entered labor. However, childbirth is hard work that is draining. Plus, at that time the delivery room usually feels hot which makes you sweat more, so it requires more energy supply. If the energy supply is insufficient, women who are approaching the process of giving birth may experience headaches, increasingly feeling the severity of labor, or even weakness. Furthermore, hunger and fatigue can slow down the stage of labor. This condition can then trigger medical intervention measures, such as administering drugs to speed up the stage of labor or other assistance measures.

Allowed for Low Risk Delivery

Most pregnant women feel hunger and thirst during childbirth, especially in the early stages of labor. In general, eating small portions during the birth process might actually be able to provide benefits as an energy source for pregnant women with low risk pregnancy before giving birth. In the past, pregnant women were often prohibited from eating and drinking during childbirth to avoid the risk of food being inhaled into the lungs or called aspiration, which can cause respiratory failure, a fatal condition. Under certain conditions, aspiration can develop into pneumonia or lung infection. According to research, aspiration during childbirth is quite rare and more likely to occur in pregnant women who get general anesthesia. This risk has significantly reduced in the modern era now. This is because there has been progress in the practice of using drugs. Instead of using general anesthesia, doctors usually administer epidural or spinal anesthesia in certain areas of the body, so that the patient does not really lose consciousness. However, remain vigilant that every pregnant woman may have a different medical condition.

Avoid Eating Under Certain Conditions

Eating is not allowed if you are certain to have a C-section, usually fasting is recommended about 6 hours before surgery and drinking water last at least 2 hours before surgery. Eating can only be allowed in low-risk pregnancies based on the results of a doctor's examination, eating is not recommended in pregnancies with certain risks, to avoid the risk of aspiration if an emergency Caesarean section needs to be done because of fetal distress. This is where the importance of regular pregnancy checks before delivery. Although some pregnant women are now allowed to eat and drink just before delivery, it is generally recommended to only consume snacks or drink only a limited amount of water. You may also not be allowed to eat or drink if you are inducting. Don't worry, if the induction lasts a long time, the doctor will give you a "break", so you can eat and drink water. Always consult about whether or not pregnant women eat and drink before delivery. Obstetricians and anesthetists will work together to assess individual patients.

Foods That Can Be Consumed During Birth

Carbohydrates are a good intake choice during labor. The reason is that the benefits of carbohydrates can be digested easily and give you energy gradually, so that it will help you through contraction. Carbohydrate intake can be obtained from the following foods.

• Pasta, cereal or soup
• Fresh biscuits or crackers
• Sandwiches or toast
• Yogurt.

Eat slowly and spend little by little, food is digested longer during labor, because blood flow will be prioritized in the uterus, this is also to avoid vomiting due to eating too much when giving birth. If you want to eat and drink during labor, ask your doctor or nurse if your condition allows. If allowed, you can choose some of the foods above. Eat small portions but often. In addition, remember to avoid high-fat foods because it is heavy to digest and sweet foods because it only gives energy for a moment.