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Staying hydrated in labor

Date: 2011.02.14 | Category: Birth | Tags: drinks for labor and birth,hydration in labor,snacks during labor

Staying well-hydrated is important throughout pregnancy for countless reasons, and can play a large role in preventing pregnancy complaints like morning sickness, constipation, diarrhea, and edema. During labor, hydration is also of crucial importance. Along with that, keeping blood sugar levels up so that the laboring mother does not lose energy is essential, especially for women who have long labors. What are the best drinks to stay hydrated during labor? And how about snacking in between contractions?

Women who give birth in a hospital have access to an IVF to help them stay hydrated. The flip side of that is that they are often prohibited from eating and drinking, except for ice chips in many cases. Those who are having a homebirth have more possibilities. Not staying hydrated can impact the progress of labor, and not keeping blood sugar levels up can cause exhaustion. this is obviously undesirable. Here are some good drinks for labor.
- Water
- Herbal tea, either warm or iced. Adding honey will help your blood sugar levels
- Home-made lemonade, with honey
- Coconut water – this one apparently comes in many flavors
- Cranberry juice, diluted with water if desired
- Gatorade, Recharge, or similar sports drinks
- Light soups
For snacking bananas, granola bars, nuts, or a peanut butter sandwich are some possibilities that are light and will keep you energized. Many women do not feel the need to eat anything in labor, but drinking is important. If you keep a variety of drinks around the house in the weeks before you expect to go into labor, you will ensure that you have access to whatever you would like to consume when the big day comes. If you are having a midwife or other attendants at your baby’s birth, preparing drinks and snacks for them as well is something they will really appreciate.

5 Responses to “Staying hydrated in labor”

Issa 11/02/15 00:15

I’m not too worried about hydration during labor, since I like water and drink pretty much constantly as it is. I am worried about eating and keeping my energy up, though. Everything I like to lightly snack on has gone out the window with my blood sugar issues. Of the snacks you mention, nuts are the only one I can eat – bananas, granola bars, and anything on a sandwich is right out. I’m experimenting with a bunch of foods right now trying to find stuff that’s low/no carb and also still satisfying.
Issa recently posted..Eating your placenta – are there any benefits
writenow 11/02/15 00:32

Boiled eggs, cheese, veg wrapped in meat? What I actually ate in labor was a chocolate cake I’d just made. I didn’t know I would be going into labor a few hours later, but it was (weirdly) an awesome thing to have. That’s no good to you, though! I think boiled eggs would be pretty great, though.
Issa 11/02/15 21:11

Aww, no fair teasing me with chocolate cake! I do like boiled eggs, and a cold, sliced boiled egg has a “fresh” taste that I find hard to get with meat and cheese. It’s hard for me to find “light” foods when grains and most fruits are out. I’ve got three more months to practice with food, though, and get it all figured out!
Issa recently posted..Eating your placenta – are there any benefits
TinkAe 11/02/15 21:20

@ Issa, cinnamon helps metabolize blood sugar. Generally, a qtr. tsp/day is all it takes. It can lessen the impact of carbs to your blood sugar.
writenow 11/02/15 22:04

Come to think of it, you can buy cinnamon energy drinks in Korean supermarkets. Something to look into?