Can I Eat During Labor?

Is it true I can’t eat during an epidural?
—I’m going to be hungry!

It’s not the epidural — it’s the labor in general. Many hospitals have strict rules about eating during labor. There was a time when even drinking anything was not allowed; this is where you get the image of a pregnant woman in labor sucking on ice cubes. For obvious reasons, this feels counterproductive. Labor is really physically intense. You get thirsty. You need a pick-me-up. However, you probably will not want a big meal.

The way I might describe it is like endurance running. You want some Gatorade, maybe a GU energy gel, probably not a ham sandwich. (I think I got too running-oriented there, but anyway.)

A high-angle view of popcorn spilled across a orange-red background. — Getty Images

There is (sort of) a reason for this, which is that if you needed an emergency C-section under general anesthesia, there is a worry about inhaling vomit (if you vomited) and aspirating (choking). This is why you do not eat before surgery. However, very few C-sections — even emergency ones — are performed under a general anesthesia, and in general the risk of aspiration is extremely small.

For this reason, many hospitals and providers have lightened up on this over time. Clear fluids (water, Gatorade) are almost always allowed, and I bet you could get a GU in there too. You may get more pushback if you try to bring in a sandwich or a pasta dish, but it’s not obvious that is in your best interest anyway.