Just Water? What Do I Drink In Labor?
If you’re in one of the many Maryland and D.C. hospitals for your birth, you may be alarmed to know that once you’re in active labor and admitted, you might be restricted on what you may eat and drink in labor. While some hospitals are working hard to change the liquid diet restriction that has been around for the past twenty plus years, there are also some great things that can be easily implemented to your birth to help keep you going!
Think of your hydration during birth as a marathon runner does; you want to make sure you’re continuing to water your body while you labor BEFORE you feel thirsty. Even if you’re getting IV fluids, it’s so vital to keep yourself full of that good stuff!
If you ARE restricted to clear fluids, find something with some energy or sugar to help boost your levels.
A great labor assistant? Gatorade!
Gatorade has the essentials, water, electrolytes and sugar.
Why is sugar important?
Sucrose can provide a much needed boost if you’re not consuming solids. It keeps your energy up and also keeps baby moving as well, giving your little nugget the endurance for labor as well!
If you’re worried about gatorade upsetting your stomach, Vitamin Water, or coconut water also can give you some of the sustenance without the sweetness.
Other clear liquids?
Applesauce pouches, bone broth or chicken broth (grab a carton from Whole Foods for yourself the next time you’re at the store) or even some honey sticks can give you just a touch more oomph for the phases of your labor.
So get out there and grab that goodness to last you during your marathon!
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