We are not supporting this browser

Pregnancy

      Snacks and drinks for labour

      Snacking

      When you’re thinking about how to manage your labour, snacks and drinks might not be on the top of your priority list.

      However, unless you’re a regular marathon runner, you’ll probably be burning up more energy during labour than at any other time in your life, so it’s important to make sure that you’re as prepared as you can be. And that includes having healthy snacks and drinks at the ready to keep your energy up.

      Here we’re exploring how eating helps to build your energy in labour, what the best snacks and drinks are, and how many you’re likely to need.

      How does eating during labour builds up your energy

      Labour can be a tiring business. Eating even a small amount of healthy snacks during labour can really help you manage those moments of tiredness.

      It’s important to listen to your body, particularly once labour begins. If you feel queasy or aren’t in the mood for food, it’s best not to force yourself to eat. On the other hand, if you’re not feeling nauseous and you feel like you might need a bit of an energy boost, tucking into a light snack can be really beneficial further down the line.

      Once your contractions become stronger you’ll probably find that food is the last thing on your mind. The best advice is to listen to your body and follow your gut instinct.

      Is it safe to eat during labour?

      It’s generally considered safe to eat when you’re in labour and it is recommended that having something to eat and drink during the early stages in order to help you prepare for active labour.  It’s worth checking what your hospital’s policy is on eating and drinking during labour though, just to be on the safe side. Your midwife will be able to tell you everything you need to know.

      If you’re planning to use certain types of pain relief, you may be advised to keep snacks to a minimum or not eat at all. And if you’re having a planned C- section, you’ll most likely be advised not to eat anything for a few hours before it takes place.

      When should I eat during labour?

      The simple answer is when you feel like it. The key thing is to listen to your body and eat when you feel hungry and have an appetite for food. It’s best to eat little and often. Eating too much at once may sit heavy on your stomach and can leave you feeling nauseous.

      If you can manage it, have something to eat and drink in the early stages of your labour. That way, you’ll have the energy you need for giving birth. There’s no way of knowing how your labour will progress and how long it will take, so having some healthy snacks to hand is always a good idea.

      What snacks to take to hospital for labour?

      It’s recommended that you go for sources of carbohydrates, as they’re known to be our main source of energy. Any of the following carb-rich snacks would work well:

      • Bread or toast.
      • Crispbreads, rice cakes, or crackers.
      • Pasta.
      • Rice.
      • Dried fruit.
      • Bananas.
      • Flapjacks or cereal bars.
      • Plain biscuits, such as digestives.

      How many snacks will I need for labour?

      There’s no set answer for this. The safest option is to take plenty of small healthy snacks just in case.

      Remember, it’s not just you that will need to stay topped up on energy. Your birth partner will need plenty of snacks to refuel on too, so be sure to pack plenty in your hospital bag. That way, you’ll be fully prepared just in case the vending machines aren’t working or the canteen is closed. 

      You might find that you’re lacking in energy once your baby has arrived, so any leftover snacks might be just what you need.

      Which foods should I avoid eating during labour?

      Anything that’s likely to sit heavy on your tummy has the potential to make you feel sick, so it’s best to avoid foods that are high in fat. Likewise, any foods that are high in sugar will give you a short-lived boost followed by a sharp drop in energy, and for that reason complex carbohydrates such as wholegrain biscuits are a better option.  

      What are the best drinks for labour?

      Being in labour is thirsty work, so make sure you have plenty of water to hand to keep yourself well hydrated throughout.

      In the early stages while you’re still at home you might find it soothing to sip on a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint. However, once labour begins, water is your best option, but if you aren’t a fan of plain water, weak squash is a good choice too.

      Remember to fill a sports bottle before you head to the hospital – something you can easily sip from with minimal effort.

      Are isotonic drinks good for labour?

      Some hospitals recommend isotonic sports drinks, because they’re quickly absorbed and give you an instant boost of energy – especially handy if you can’t face eating anything.

      Related content

      Any more questions?

      Our specialist baby advisors and experienced mums are here to talk and ready to help whenever you need them. You can call us or reach us on Live Chat 8.30am-5.30pm Monday-Friday.

      Join the C&G baby club today

      Join the C&G baby club today

      • Weekly emails with tips and advice for your stage
      • 1-to-1 support from our dedicated Careline team, 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
      Join us now

      Your privacy is important to us and therefore we would like to explain how we use cookies on this website. With your consent, we will use cookies to measure and analyse how our website is used (analytical cookies), to tailor it to your interests (personalisation cookies), and to show you relevant advertising and information (targeting cookies) we think you will like. For more information please read the cookie statement.

      Privacy Settings

      You can choose your preferences anytime for cookies and tracking. For more information please read our cookie policy

      • Strictly necessary

        They are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services (setting your privacy preferences, logging in, filling in forms, etc.). You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.

      • Analytical cookies

        They allow us to count visits and traffic sources, to measure and improve the performance of our site. They show us which pages are the most and least popular and how visitors move around the site. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

      • Personalisation cookies

        They enable website’s enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third parties whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

      • Targeting cookies

        They may be set through our site by our advertising partners, to build a profile of your interests and to show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.