Consuming food, juice, sports drinks help during long labours
Eating and drinking during labour presents no harm to the baby or mom, according to a review by Canadian researchers of five studies involving more than 3,000 women. This has been taboo since the 1940s because of the risk of mothers regurgitating due to the anaesthetic used during labour to cut the pain. But in recent years, medical advances in epidurals have lifted the ban on food and drink. In fact, now there is evidence that consuming sports drinks and juices, and eating glucose-rich items during labour may actually help mom during long labours when she needs to refuel.