Pregnancy strains our bodies in a variety of ways. From the very beginning of pregnancy, some women feel its effects on their body. Some experience sensitivity to certain odors that didn’t used to bother them. For example, the smell of a favorite food may make you nauseous for your entire pregnancy.
Childbirth = LABOR
While pregnancy affects women differently based on an assortment of factors, childbirth is referred to as “labor” for a good reason. Childbirth is a painful and a harrowing experience for the most part.
At the very least, childbirth is quite a workout. Fortunately, when our bodies have reached their limits at the gym, we can slow our pace so that we can cool down. Or maybe we take a break and have an energy drink to help replace lost valuable nutrients.
During labor, however, most women are allowed only ice chips or water to stay hydrated. Obviously, it is difficult to regain lost energy on just water.
Women who experience a longer labor have a more serious energy and nutrient loss.
Nutrients During Labor Tested
Concerns about allowing nutrients during labor include vomiting and nausea and low blood sugar levels. Keeping the stomach empty may help avoid, or at least minimize, such discomfort.
Preliminary results from a recent small study of 150 women presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists in San Francisco this month indicate it isn’t necessary to withhold nutrients from ostensibly healthy women during labor.
The study group was divided in half. One half was given only ice chips and water during labor, and the other half was given a protein shake as well as water and ice chips if desired.
The group of women who were given the protein shake experienced no more vomiting than the group given just water and ice chips.
More importantly, the women who drank the protein shake felt a “greater level of satisfaction” during early labor.
Likely, part of that satisfaction had something to do with not feeling as hungry as the water-and-ice-chips group.
Granted, hunger isn’t usually a top concern for women during labor, but when labor lasts 12 grueling hours, the body continuously loses needed nutrients.
A protein shake isn’t going to lessen the amount of labor time, but it may help relieve women some of the stress of labor—especially when labor lasts longer.
Going through labor is more of a “workout” than any form of exercise. It’s a seriously strenuous event for our bodies—even for experienced moms.
Pregnancy can have myriad effects on our bodies. And of course, just like our children no two are alike. Let our knowledgeable pregnancy physicians and midwives at Gainesville’s at All About Women assist you with any questions or concerns you have about your pregnancy.
