Single-center Survey of Women Reflecting on Recent Experiences and Preferences of Oral Intake During Labor

( Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2022;62:643–649) In Australia, increases in unplanned surgical intervention during delivery have caused concern relating to the administration of general anesthesia (GA) and the risks associated with a nonfasted status. There are no recommendations about oral intake during active labor, nor any guidelines associated with patient preferences. Current literature is lacking in evaluation of women who are at increased risk for surgical intervention, or how restricting oral intake affects labor and delivery in these circumstances. This study was designed to assess patient preferences and experiences relating to oral intake during labor to inform future guidelines more effectively. Primary outcomes included advice women received and gastrointestinal symptoms experienced during labor.