Being induced... Can I eat?

[dobbysmum]

Might be a daft question but on Tuesday at 10am I'm coming into hospital for my induction.
Will I be allowed to eat up until labour starts?
And if I can, will I be able to have meals or just light snacks?
Consultant said it can take from 24 to 72 hours and I'm assuming they can't starve me?

When I had my son (emergency c section), I was nil by mouth for 48 hours and as a result was really sick because I was just so starving (I have hypoglycemia) so its a concern for me this time.

Thank you

You can eat and drink as much as you like (or can manage) at the start and during your induction.

I drank 6 bottles of lucozade sport during mine. 😂

Yes, no problem, although I didn't actually need to be induced in the end.

I spent a fortune in the hospital shop and cafe buying meals, snacks and sandwiches! I was in there 3 days having my first baby. It's only in the later stages you won't be eating.

Yep. Induced overnight, ate breakfast and lunch before labour really kicked in. Up to delivery about 7, born at 9. Zero interest in dinner at about 6.

You can eat so take food in with you but more importantly have a decent meal before you go in. You could be in hospital anything from 24 hours to a week.

Thank you guys. I'm going at 10am so I'll have breakfast first.
I'm ever so teary and nervous, do you sleep in a ward of others or get your own room?

I'm high risk and their inducing because of Gestational diabetes, not sure that makes any difference.
I've been close to tears since I found out, I'm still at the hospital now, just waiting to see diabetes nurse but not sure she'll be able to answer my questions

Induction can be a great experience so try not to worry easier said than done I know. I had my boy 2 weeks ago tomorrow and was induced & had a great experience :) good luck!

My induction wasn't great.

You'll be in a ward until you're ready to go down to the labour ward where you'll have your own room.

If it's for Gestational Diabetes then you will need to bring your own food. The stuff they give you in hospital will be all carbs and sugar (even their "diabetes friendly" option).

This is useful, the Facebook group is helpful too.

www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/hospital-bag-list/

Gestational Diabetes is awful. There is so much judgement attached to it.

Hope your induction goes well (and quickly!) And you have a lovely baby to snuggle and a ginormous chocolate bar soon!

I was on a bay but they apologised and said usually inductions were in private rooms so partners could stay. I was a last minute extra...

I was induced in November for pre-eclampsia. I shared a small room with one other woman. You might not be in there all that long - they told me to walk around after the pessary went in to speed things up. During my second circuit of the hospital grounds, my contractions began. Arrived at hospital at 9am, baby born at 6pm!

Definitely have a big breakfast. They'll give you meals once you're in, but you might want to take some snacks.

Don't feel worried - they'll look after you and you'll be meeting your baby before you know it!

I spoke to the diabetes nurse, she said ill most likely be in a room for 2, unless theyre really busy then it will be a 6.
But I don't have to stay in bed, I can eat meals in the resturant and go to the hospital shop if I want to.

Also, if the induction hasn't worked within 24 hours they're going to give me a c section. So we should have our baby by next Friday at the latest

You can eat during induction and labour if you want to, though I felt sick from the moment contractions started so couldn't keep anything down. If you have an epidural then most likely you will only be allowed clear fluids, and if your BMI is high (>35/40 depending on unit) they may also recommend clear fluids only once things get started.