Why is it that when a woman gives birth she is only allowed to eat ice chips?

It depends on the caregiver. Most midwives ENCOURAGE you to eat and drink in labor to stay hydrated and keep your energy up. I have eaten and drank whatever I wanted with all three of my labors.

The idea of not eating and drinking in labor comes from when it was very common for women to be totally knocked out when their babies were born. If they were knocked out and vomited, they could aspirate. So it has to do with being put under general anesthesia.

Everyone I know was allowed to eat soft foods and drink water.... But most moms in the throws of labor prefer ice chips, since theyre cold and shes sweaty and hot.

That and its less likely to cause vomiting. Which happens a lot in labor.

There are many things that can go wrong during childbirth. Between waves of nausea and the possibility of an emergency c-section, it is in the mother's and baby's best interest for the mother to only have ice chips. Often times there will be an IV running to prevent dehydration.

The purpose for ice chips only is because 1. hydration

2.In case of an emergency and you have to be put to sleep, it prevents possible choking from regurgitation while under. This is the same reason why you cant eat.. well aside from them not wanting you to poop yourself!!

The women is only allowed to eat ice chips because for one it does keeps her hydrated. She's not allowed to have any food, sugary drinks, nor snacks because doctors don't want the mother to become sick while in labor/pushing the baby out. Me personally I could care less wat the doc says because I will be eating some food when I go into labor. That's my opinion!!

I've been told it's because they are trying to limit the food and liquid intake so that when you give birth you do not go to the bathoom at the same time. The ice chips just give you enough liquid to wet your mouth so it isn't dry. They hook you up generally to an IV for fluids so you do not become dehydrated.

When you're eating ice it acts like water but it makes your body think that you're eating food because of the chewing. Usually when a woman goes into labor they shouldn't eat any solid food because that can cause then to have to go #2 and they usually do it on the delivery table!

When you are in labor often drinking can cause you to become sick to your stomach.. Ice chips are to be chewed and it helps keep the mother hydrated. Trust me when you are in labor food or drink is the last thing on your mind.

There's alot of reasons.

The only time you shouldn't have anything is if they're gonna give you general anethesia.

You're supposed to get up and use the bathroom often during labor because having a full bladder can keep the baby from decending.

Plus, you need to keep hydrated to have the energy for giving birth.

if you need to go in for an emergancy C-section you belly will be full of water and they dont want that. the ice is just to keep your mouth moist so it doesnt dry out