According to a recent study by Canadian researchers from Memorial University, and contrary to what is currently advocated by doctors, taking a light meal reduces pain in women. After reviewing 385 studies published since 1990, Canadian researchers concluded that have to discourage the intake of food and fluids during work. The risk of aspiration of substances through the lungs is very low

Currently, against the advice, women are drinking and eating, to avoid the risk that the absorbed substances pass into the lungs and do not hinder the smooth progress of the delivery.

But a recent study presented at the annual congress of anesthetists demonstrated in reality, recent advances in terms of anesthesia medicine had significantly decreased risk. According to the researchers, the abandonment of the anesthesia mask (deposited on the nose and mouth) in behalf of an epidural has helped reduce the risk of passage of substances into the lungs.
The study reported that the risk extraction of substances from the lungs is extremely rare, the United States, only one case was detected between 2005 and 2013.

Childbirth requires as much energy as a marathon

The authors of the study found that eating a light meal before the birth allowed, in particular, to reduce some of the pain from childbirth and uterine contractions, and just thus speed up the process slightly.

Calories consumed also allow the woman to keep, limiting the risks for herself and the fetus. Indeed, energy burned is comparable to childbirth that required during a marathon.

Preventing a calorie deficit

“Rather than prohibit any meals during childbirth, anesthesiologists and obstetricians should work together to address the issue according to each patient,” says Christopher Harty, co-author of the study. “Eat light during birth can prevent a caloric deficit and give energy to the Patient during work”.

Experts, however, insisted ESTA that new “recommendation” only concerned that women who had a low risk of aspiration.