Getting induced is one of the most exciting and nerve wracking experiences. When I was pregnant with my third baby I was dealing with pubic symphysis (basically my pubic bone got separated). I couldn’t walk and so they scheduled me to be induced at 39 weeks. I was nervous, but I was ready. I just had one question, could I eat before I was induced?
What is Induction?
When a mother is being induced it usually means that the mother is given Pitocin. Pitocin is a drug that is given to the mother through an IV. Pitocin is a synthetic version of Oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that is released into the body that tells the woman’s body to start labor. Pitocin will help start the mother’s contractions.
Sometimes the baby really isn’t ready and will not react positively to Pitocin. Oftentimes the doctors will STOP inductions, or they will have to resort to C-section.
Once the body has shown signs that it is going into labor and starting contractions then the doctors will give the mother an option to break their water to speed up the labor.
Why do Some Women Get Induced?
Women get induced for many different reasons. There have been many different theories over the years about when inductions should be permitted and how inductions should take place. At one time “full term” was considered to be 37 weeks. Many women were able to ask for inductions as early as 37 weeks and doctors would allow it to happen.
Now, doctors have found evidence to prove that so much more development occurs in the last few weeks that are really important for the babies. Babies are now considered to be full term at 39 weeks. Most doctors will not induce women before 39 weeks (unless the mother, or baby are in danger).
Women can request to be induced at 39 weeks even if they are completely healthy and there is no risk to the baby. Some examples of women being induced early (before 39 weeks) include any situation that may bring danger to the mother, or the babies such as;
Pre-eclampsia
Gestational Diabetes
Problems with the Placenta
Stress of the baby (high, or low heart rate)
Women will not be induced early for the mere reason that they are done being pregnant. My pubic bone with dislocated and I could NOT walk and I was on pain meds. However, I was still not a candidate for early induction because the baby and I were perfectly healthy.
Can you Eat Before you are Induced?
The question remains, can you eat before your induction? Well, to be quite frank, no. It is not the best to eat before you are induced.
I know as a pregnant woman you are fearful to think about skipping a meal. However, with any labor you have to understand that there is a chance to have an emergency cesarean.
Women who are induced have an increased chance of having a c-section. It is advised that women do not have food in their bodies when they go into surgery, because they have an increased chance of having food ending up in their lungs (which is obviously dangerous).
Why Don’t they Let you Eat During Labor?
Doctors and nurses will not let you eat during labor, because they hate you and want you to suffer. Okay, maybe not, but that’s what it feel like at the time. I remember trying to push a 10 pound baby out of my hoohah and they wouldn’t even get me pancakes! But, why? Give me the pancakes!
There are actually many reasons why doctors have said no to eating during labor. All they will usually allow is clear liquids and sometimes Jello. You are probably not allowed to eat because…
Avoid pooping during labor. The doctors have been pooped on MANY times. However, it is easier for them to focus on delivering the baby as opposed to worrying about you pooping on them.
Nausea and Vomiting. I told the nurse that I was starving and I needed food. They told me I couldn’t have pancakes (how rude) but they told me I could have Jello. I ended up eating Jello and then...vomiting up Jello...everywhere. I was happy that they only gave me Jello.
Possibility of Cesarean. A possibility in every birth story is an emergency c-section. Doctors suggest that before c-sections that women avoid having any food or drink.
What to Eat Before Induction?
Doctors typically do not want you to eat the morning of your induction. However, you are permitted to eat the day before.
It is recommended that you avoid heavy and substantial food. You probably should stay clear from fast food, high in fat, or high in sugar meals. Instead of a big meal, you may consider food that you would be eating if you were sick. You can eat Jello, pudding, soups (preferably chicken broth), toast and even rice.The day before I was supposed to be induced I called my doctor and asked about what they would recommend for me to eat before my induction. They asked that I do not eat anything the morning of my induction, but I could eat whatever I wanted the day before. She then paused, “but moms are known to have bowel movements during labor if they have something heavy to eat the before.” I laughed, because I knew what she meant. You want to avoid foods that might make your tummy a little upset.
When Will they Give you the “Thumbs up” to a Regular Meal?
“Can I have pancakes yet?” I asked while staring at my perfect little baby boy in my arms. The nurses and doctors laughed. I was only slightly joking. I could hold my baby forever and love on him, but I still was starving. I had been in a labor for a while and I pushed a big 10 pound baby out!
In most cases, room service will not be available to the delivery rooms. Food will be allowed once the mother is sent to her “mother/baby suite.” Nurses will not “clear” the mother until;
Mother stops bleeding/fully stitched up
Mother’s belly is “massaged” (don’t let the word fool you, this hurts terribly). The “massage” is to make sure that mother doesn’t have any blood clots.
The mother nurses the baby.
Baby passes all of his exams (APGAR)
Mother can stand up and walk to the bathroom AND go pee.
Many hospitals have time limits where they HAVE to stay in the delivery room no matter if you have fulfilled all the things you must do.
Conclusion
I know that it is really hard to get through labor and delivering while being hungry. I have had three babies and they have all been well over 9 lbs. Labor is hard and by the end I am starving. I have hypoglycemia and so I usually just need food right away.
Nurses and doctors are not trying to make you suffer by telling you no food. Not eating during labor and delivery is actually in your best interest and will protect you and your baby!
