What to eat during labour
- Amy Simpson
- Feb 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Proper nourishment and hydration during all stages of labour can help maintain energy levels and hydration, prevent exhaustion, support effective contractions and can contribute to shorter labours and higher maternal satisfaction.
However, there is controversy about whether you are "allowed" to eat during a hospital birth.
Let's looks at the evidence (or jump straight to recipes)
Can You Eat During Labour in Australia? (jump to recipes)
👉Global Recommendations Support Eating in Labour
Leading health organisations agree that food and fluids should not be restricted for low-risk women:
Cochrane Review: No evidence justifies restricting food and fluids in labour.
World Health Organization (WHO): Recommends oral intake for low-risk women.
The American College of Nurse-Midwives: Realise that withholding food adds to physiological pain and stress of labour
NICE Practice Guidelines for the UK: Low risk mothers and babies do not benefit from birth in hospital obstetric units or from many previously “routine” but unindicated labour interventions (such as no food)
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA): Reports that most healthy women benefit from eating during labour.
👉What Do Australian Guidelines Say for Eating in Labour?
RANZCOG: Advises a light diet until active labour, then only clear fluids, though their policy guidance mainly applies to VBAC births.
Safer Care Victoria: Encourages hydration, light meals, and mobility for a smoother labour.
Am I allowed to eat during hospital birth?
Despite strong evidence, some hospitals still limit eating in labour due to outdated concerns about aspiration if general anesthesia is required. However, modern research shows that for women at low risk of needing emergency surgery, these restrictions offer no real benefit.
The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) advises fasting before surgery to prevent aspiration. However, they do not have a specific policy for eating in labour and newer evidence suggests this practice is not necessary for most low-risk women and in fact the risk of aspiration during a c-section is so low that a randomised control trial on the topic is unfeasible. In fact, a survey of 109 Australian maternity units found that 60.5% allow women to eat and drink during labour (at her own discretion, rather than offering nourishment) if they are at low risk of needing general anaesthesia.
What Foods to Eat During Labour?
Choosing easily digestible, energy-rich foods can help sustain you through labour. Some great options include:
Simple carbohydrates for quick energy: dried fruit like dates, apricots, spoonful of honey, this incredible rocky road recipe
Protein and healthy fats to maintain stamina: nut butter, yoghurt pouch, biltong, jerky
Electrolyte-rich drinks to stay hydrated: homemade bone broth, labour aid, herbal tea with added salt and collagen
Drinking during labour - labour aid recipe
Hydration, minerals, and electrolytes play a critical role in supporting us during labour. Staying well-hydrated helps maintain blood flow to the uterus and other vital organs. The electrolytes and minerals found in real salt are essential for muscle contractions, nerve function, reducing fatigue and maintaining the steady energy levels needed to meet the physical demands of labour and recovery. Download my labour aid recipe card to share with your support team:
What Not to Eat in Labour?
While nourishment is essential, some foods can be harder to digest or cause discomfort. It’s best to avoid:
Coffee may contribute to dehydration and anxiety
Heavy, greasy foods that may cause nausea as they are harder to breakdown
Large meals in late labour, as digestion slows down during labour to prioritise birth over "rest and digest" functions
Sugary snacks that can give big highs but lead to energy crashes and provide no nutrition for the hard work of giving birth
Which Food is Best for Labour Pain?
Certain nutrients support endurance and relaxation:
Salt and electrolytes from my labour aid assist with nerve and muscle contraction
Magnesium-rich foods from dark chocolate and nuts may ease muscle tension
Protein and fats from yoghurt and nuts support steady blood sugar, preventing energy dips that make pain feel more intense and bottom-out our energy supply. Collagen powder can be added to hot and cold liquids and provides all essential amino acids for energy and recovery.
Herbal teas like nettle and oats help to calm our nervous system so we can stay in flow with our bodies
Create a herbal tea for labour:
Ginger or peppermint tea can help with nausea
Raspberry leaf tea will assist with uterine contractions
Nettle tea and oat straw are highly nourishing, beautiful allies for mothers and infants
The Bottom Line: Can I Eat and Drink During Labour in Australia?
Labour is hard work, and like any endurance event, it requires fuel. The science is clear: for most women, eating during labour is safe, beneficial, and improves birth outcomes. It’s time for maternity care to align with the evidence, because no one runs a marathon on an empty stomach.
Amy is a degree-qualified naturopath dedicated to helping busy, tired clients regain their energy and vitality.
She combines evidence-based naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions to empower clients on their journey to optimal health. Whether it’s reclaiming energy, balancing hormones, resolving digestive issues, or enhancing overall well-being and longevity, her personalised approach focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of health concerns. With a Bachelor of Health Science, ongoing studies in a Master of Advanced Practice, and full membership in the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia, Amy offers a unique blend of traditional wisdom and science to support individuals and families at every stage of life.
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