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Pregnancy

Sister, due to give birth in France, has been told she isn't allowed to eat or drink during labour. Huh? Anyone know if this is a translation mistake?

31 replies

linspins · 25/05/2014 09:39

She is due in June, and has been for a visit to the hospital. During the tour, they were told they weren't allowed to eat or drink during labour. The talk was in French, which she only speaks a tiny bit of. I can't imagine it's at all sensible or safe not to drink, at the very least! Does anyone have a better idea of what is allowed in French hospitals? Thanks ladies.

OP posts:

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TheBookofRuth · 25/05/2014 16:15

I wasn't allowed to eat anything or drink anything but water when I was in labour with DD in the UK two years ago. I eventually gave birth at just after midnight via EMCS after 24 hours in labour, and didn't get anything till breakfast was brought round in the morning, by which time it had been about 40 hours since I'd last eaten.

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Hulababy · 25/05/2014 16:22

I had a drip too but would have struggled without water too.

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treaclesoda · 25/05/2014 16:22

I wasn't allowed to eat and drink in labour either, in the UK. I had lunch on Monday and was induced that evening and wasn't allowed anthing until Wednesday evening when it was finally all over.

My sister wasn't either, and ended up without anything to eat or drink for about three days .

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MummytoMog · 25/05/2014 17:30

I had a drip and was gagging for water after I had DC1. DC2 I didn't eat or drink and had no desire to until the morning after.

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5madthings · 25/05/2014 17:32

The only time I had a drip in Labour was for sytocinon, there is no need for a drip in most labours and they can restrict movement as well as being uncomfortable and prevent use of birthing pool etc.

If you have an epidural you will gave a drip.

But if you don't want an epidural much better to just drink rather than have a drip for fluids.

The latest studies show no increased risk if women eat and drink during Labour, the worry was sickness and choking etc but studies sshowed it doesn't increase this risk and actually it's better to prevent dehydration and ketosis.

Obviously if you don't feel like eating or drinking fine, but those that do shouldn't be stoped! And many midwives will encourage you to drink.

Y children are 14, 11, 9, 6 and 3 I was 'allowed' to eat and drink, was induced for all of them and resisted Drs advice to stay on the bed #with support of midwife).

I aagree French post natal careseems better, esp physio and pelvic floor etc but no eating and drinking is outdated and not backed up by research.

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tobiasfunke · 25/05/2014 17:44

I was induced with the syntocin drip in Scotland and was told no food and only small amounts of water. The lovely anaesthetist who gave me my epidural told me to sip energy drinks instead of water despite the midwife having a canary. He pointed out both were liquids and it was ridiculous to expect women to labour for hours with no energy going in. She wasn't happy.