Why the study?
Does providing oral nutrition during labor improve maternal satisfaction and prevent ketosis without increasing the risk of gastric aspiration in women at low risk?
Does providing oral nutrition during labor improve maternal satisfaction and prevent ketosis without increasing the risk of gastric aspiration in women at low risk?
This clinical bulletin recommends shared decision making regarding oral intake during labor for women at low risk of gastric aspiration, as evidence that withholding nutrition reduces aspiration risk is inconclusive.
Supports shared decision-making on oral intake in low-risk labor; leaves open whether restriction reduces aspiration risk.
Historically, oral intake for women during labor has been limited to nothing by mouth or clear liquids only. These restrictions are based on the risk of aspiration during or after the administration of general anesthesia. While aspiration can be life threatening, older methods of anesthesia are rarely used in current intrapartum care, and evidence is inconclusive that withholding oral nutrition reduces the risk of gastric aspiration. Additionally, withholding oral nutrition may result in the development of ketosis and may potentially contribute to a woman's stress and dissatisfaction with the birth experience. The purpose of this Clinical Bulletin is to review the evidence related to this practice and provide recommendations to promote informed, shared decision making regarding oral intake during labor with women at low risk for gastric aspiration.
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A 2016 study conducted a review in Labor. Oral nutrition vs. Nothing by mouth or clear liquids only was evaluated on Gastric aspiration. Providing oral nutrition to women in labor at low risk for gastric aspiration should be based on shared decision making, as evidence that withholding it reduces aspiration risk is inconclusive.
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