Doctors have reversed decades of advice: most healthy women can safely eat light meals during early labor, and staying hydrated with clear liquids throughout delivery is now recommended. The old guidance to avoid all food and drink during labor stemmed from concerns about aspiration, a rare complication where stomach contents travel into the lungs. But modern research and improved pain management techniques have made this risk minimal for uncomplicated pregnancies .

Why Were Women Told Not to Eat During Labor?

Since the 1940s, obstetricians recommended that laboring women fast completely. The concern was aspiration, which occurs when food or stomach contents travel back up the esophagus and into the windpipe, potentially irritating the lungs or causing pneumonia. The risk of aspiration increases during pregnancy because progesterone slows stomach digestion, and an enlarged uterus puts pressure on the digestive system .

The aspiration risk was highest during emergency cesarean sections under general anesthesia, when the body's protective reflexes are relaxed. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists changed this guidance in 2009, recommending that women be allowed to drink clear liquids during labor. In 2019, they updated their guidelines again, stating that "women in labor who do not have complications" can continue drinking clear liquids, though solid foods should still be avoided during active labor .

The American Society of Anesthesiologists went further in 2015, stating that "most healthy women can skip the fasting and, in fact, would benefit from eating a light meal during labor." A year later, they noted that aspiration during labor is very rare and that evidence doesn't support linking eating during labor to aspiration risk .

What Changed to Make Eating During Labor Safer?

Eating during labor has become safer over recent decades due to improvements in pain management. Modern labor pain relief requires fewer opioids and anesthetic gases, which were known to increase aspiration risk. Additionally, many women now receive epidurals for pain management, which have not been shown to increase aspiration risk .

Dr. Lisa Karamardian, an experienced obstetrician, explained the practical reality of hunger during labor. "The goal is to maintain energy and hydration without overwhelming your digestive system," she said. "Be open and flexible. Small amounts of light, easily digestible food early on in labor tends to work best. As the labor progresses, we shift toward liquids" .

Who Should Still Avoid Eating During Labor?

While most healthy pregnant women can safely eat during labor, certain medical conditions warrant stricter guidelines. If you have any of the following risk factors, your healthcare team may recommend avoiding solid food :

• Preeclampsia or Eclampsia: These conditions increase seizure risk, which also raises aspiration risk during labor.
• Diabetes or Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes slows stomach digestion, meaning your stomach may remain fuller even after fasting for hours.
• High Body Mass Index (BMI): A BMI above 40 (roughly 280 pounds for someone 5'10") increases abdominal pressure on both the uterus and stomach.
• Increased Chance of Emergency Cesarean: Aspiration risk is higher during all cesarean sections, regardless of anesthesia type.
• Placental Abnormalities: Conditions like placenta previa or placental abruption can cause bleeding, potentially requiring general anesthesia for treatment.

What Should You Eat and Drink During Labor?

Clear liquids are the safest choice throughout labor and should be your primary source of hydration. These include water, tea without milk or sugar, black coffee, sports drinks, broth, and fruit juice without pulp .

Early labor is an ideal time for light, easily digestible foods. Dr. Karamardian recommends specific options that provide nutrition without overwhelming the digestive system :

• Greek Yogurt: Low-fat yogurt provides protein and is easy to digest during early labor.
• Dates: These natural sugars provide quick energy without being heavy on the stomach.
• Boiled Eggs: A protein-rich option that's gentle on digestion.
• Toast or Crackers: Simple carbohydrates that provide sustained energy without being greasy.
• Fruits or Fruit Smoothies: Natural sugars and hydration in an easily digestible form.
• Vegetables: Light, nutrient-dense options that won't overwhelm your system.
• Cereal and Milk: A familiar, easy-to-digest combination.
• Applesauce: Gentle on the stomach and provides natural sugars for energy.
• Bone Broth: Once active labor begins, bone broth offers protein and nutritional support in liquid form.

Avoid heavy, greasy foods like burgers or fried foods, as well as spicy or highly acidic foods that can trigger acid reflux and increase aspiration risk. Dr. Karamardian offers straightforward advice: "Don't eat anything that you don't want to throw up!" .

Dr. Karamardian

Tips for Eating and Staying Hydrated During Labor

If your healthcare team approves eating during labor, follow these practical guidelines to maintain energy while supporting a safe delivery :

• Eat Early: Consume light meals during early labor before active labor intensifies, when your digestive system is still functioning normally.
• Choose Easily Digestible Foods: Stick to foods that your stomach can process quickly, such as yogurt, eggs, and soft fruits rather than heavy proteins or complex meals.
• Stay Hydrated with Clear Liquids: Drink water, broth, or sports drinks throughout labor to maintain hydration and energy levels without overwhelming your digestive system.
• Listen to Your Body: Most women don't feel hungry once active labor begins, so let your body guide your food choices rather than forcing yourself to eat.
• Discuss Your Plan with Your Healthcare Team: Ask your obstetrician about their specific approach to eating during labor and any personalized recommendations based on your medical history.

Dr. Karamardian offers reassurance based on her 30 years of experience: "I've never seen anything bad happen in over 30 years of experience with patients that listen to their bodies. I tell patients, 'Let your body be your guide.' People know when they need or can tolerate oral nutrition. Our bodies are amazing, and as long as you listen to them, all goes well" .

Dr. Karamardian

The bottom line is that eating during labor is no longer the medical taboo it once was. For most healthy pregnant women, a light meal and clear liquids during early labor can provide needed energy for the physically demanding process ahead. However, individual circumstances vary, so discussing your specific situation with your healthcare team is essential to developing a safe plan that works for you.