A pregnant woman drinking water in labor

Changing the Narrative on Eating and Drinking During Labor

January 22, 2026

Time to read 5 min

It used to be that the only food or drink offered during labor was a cup of ice chips. Although that is still the practice in some maternity settings, it is no longer a universal policy. Today, many providers and facilities support drinking and light snacking during labor, particularly for low-risk women.

Even so, guidance around eating and drinking during labor can feel confusing for expectant parents. What are the policies at their birth setting? What does the evidence say about safety? How can they advocate for their needs within the realities of their care environment?

In this article, we will cover what childbirth educators need to know about eating and drinking during labor, along with practical tips for discussing the topic with clients and helping them navigate conversations with their providers.

Is Eating and Drinking During Labor Harmful?

In the past, women were told that eating and drinking during labor could be dangerous because if they needed to be put under general anesthesia during labor—such as during an emergency C-section—they might aspirate the food or drink into their lungs and contract pneumonia.

However, research presented at the 2015 American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting confirmed that this is no longer a major concern. Improvements in anesthesia care have reduced the risks of eating during labor and made controlling pain in labor a safer practice. Most women who require a Cesarean are given epidurals or spinal blocks rather than general anesthesia.

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the risk of aspiration today is almost zero. For example, between 2005 and 2013, only one case of aspiration linked to labor and delivery was recorded. Risk is especially small in low-risk laboring women.

A 2013 meta-analysis published by Cochrane Library reviewed five studies, which included 3,130 laboring women, some allowed to eat and drink freely, others restricted. The researchers concluded that there was no harm in permitting low-risk laboring women to eat and drink during labor. These women experienced no worse labor or delivery outcomes than those whose eating and drinking were restricted.

Benefits of Eating and Drinking During Labor

Not only is there evidence that eating and drinking during labor is not harmful, but research also suggests it can have advantages. After all, the energy required to birth a baby has been compared to the amount of energy you need to run a marathon. It stands to reason that laboring women need nourishment to power through!

Here is what the research shows about the benefits of eating and drinking during labor:

A 2018 study in the American Journal of Nursing found that women who weren’t allowed to eat during labor were “significantly more likely” to have unplanned C-sections that women who were allowed to eat and drink.
A 2017 meta-analysis published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that obstetric policies that were less restrictive regarding food intake during labor were linked with “significantly shorter” labors.

A woman pregnant woman in bed drinking from a mug

Helping Clients Navigate Eating and Drinking Conversations With Provider

So what does all of this mean for you and your clients?

As of now, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) still recommends that consumption of solid food during labor should be restricted, although moderate amounts of liquids are considered acceptable for low-risk women.

But many women find that these practices vary between maternity providers and facilities. Practices vary widely between providers and facilities. Some maternity settings support eating and drinking freely during labor, others take a more moderate approach and recommend light foods such as fruit or soup, and some continue to restrict intake to ice chips only.

Many providers take a case-by-case or collaborative approach, considering factors such as the laboring woman’s risk profile. This is why it is important to empower your clients to discuss eating and drinking during labor with their providers in advance.

For low risk clients, encourage them to come up with a list of questions for their provider as a springboard to these important conversations.

Example questions they might consider include:

What is your approach to eating and drinking during labor?
Does it vary based on whether the laboring woman is considered low risk?
Does it vary based on whether the labor woman is in active or early labor?
Are all foods restricted, or can I eat light foods or certain beverages?
Can we collaborate on a list of foods to eat during labor, so that I can prepare?

You can also encourage clients to review the studies referenced above on the risks and benefits of eating and drinking during labor. Education goes a long way in helping clients advocate confidently for their needs.

A pregnant women in a hospital eating apple slices.

Key Takeaways

Eating and drinking during labor is no longer universally restricted, and research shows it is safe for most low-risk women. It can even support shorter labors and reduce the likelihood of unplanned C-sections. Practices vary among providers, which makes it essential for childbirth educators to guide clients in asking informed questions and advocating for their needs. By helping clients understand the evidence and preparing them to discuss options with their providers, educators can empower families to make decisions that support a safer and more positive birth experience.

Author: Wendy Wisner, Freelance Writer and Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

Editors Note:

Language matters, especially when discussing birth and decision-making. While this article references provider practices and facility policies that can influence eating and drinking during labor, our intent is always to center the birthing person as an active participant in their care. Birth takes place within medical systems that shape options and recommendations, and informed, collaborative conversations are one of the most effective ways for parents to advocate for evidence-based, respectful care. This article is written to support educators and families in navigating those conversations with clarity and confidence.

Disclaimer: All content provided is for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and no alterations in exercise should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Consult your physician on any topics regarding your health and fitness. Plumtree Baby, LLC does not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages.

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