Abstract

FERNANDEZ SALMERON, Purificación; CONSUEGRA, M. Ángeles  and  GUTIERREZ, M. del Mar. Changing the classic no-oral intake practice in labour process. Index Enferm [online]. 2008, vol.17, n.2, pp.97-100. ISSN 1699-5988.

In our hospital, fasting during labour process from the early period to two hours postpartum is established in order to prevent the risks of a possible general anaesthesia. The Attendance Process of Andalusia Health System (SAS) and W.H.O. recommendations about a natural labour in addiction to epidural anaesthesia, elicited us this question: is fasting in labour an adequate practice on balance risks / benefits for pregnant women? Oral intake was offered to 249 women during labour and immediate postpartum. 71.5% accepted clear fluids only. 0.4% preferred not clear fluids. We analysed how women gave birth (natural childbirth, instrumental, caesarean surgery), nausea or vomit rate and women satisfaction degree with the new experience. There is a lack of evidence to support this restrictive policy. There is a need to elaborate a new protocol between Obstetric & Gynaecology and Anaesthesia & Reanimation Services, with midwives involvement.

Keywords : intake; labour process; balance risks-benefits for pregnant women.