Investigation on the status of oral intake management measures during labor in China

Abstract

The World Health Organization recommended that the oral intake of low-risk pregnant women during labor should not be restricted. Hospitals in different countries take different measures to manage the intake during labor, but it is not clear about the current situation of oral intake management measures in the hospital during labor in China. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the current situation of oral intake management measures during labor in China, so as not only provide references for developing appropriate midwifery technology training and formulating relevant policies, but also provide a basis for exploring and implementing better oral intake management measures in the future. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. From December 2017 to November 2018, the oral intake management measures of 1213 hospitals in 22 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions in China were investigated by a self-designed questionnaire. χ 2 test was used for statistical analysis. Different hospitals in China have adopted different oral intake management measures. Among the 1213 hospitals, 939(77.4%) hospitals took measures to allow pregnant women to bring the easily digestible food, 813(67.0%) hospitals took measures to allow pregnant women to eat what she wanted to eat. Few hospitals provide pregnant women with oral nutrition solution or provide a suitable diet for pregnant women. Thirty-four (2.8%) hospitals still restrict pregnant women's fluid intake. Oral intake management measures that are more suitable for Chinese pregnant women should be explored to better ensure the women energy needs and they safely go through childbirth.

The effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on the time to colostrum and amount of vaginal bleeding after elective cesarean section

“…Studies have shown that the oral intake of a high‐calorie liquid during the second stage of vaginal delivery enhances uterine contractility, shortens the birthing process, promotes postpartum uterine contraction, and reduces the postpartum hemorrhage rate. Adequate energy is the material basis of and an inherent condition for muscle contraction, supporting the finding that oral carbohydrates promote uterine contractility and reduce vaginal bleeding 19,20 …”

“…Adequate energy is the material basis of and an inherent condition for muscle contraction, supporting the finding that oral carbohydrates promote uterine contractility and reduce vaginal bleeding. 19,20 Preoperative oral carbohydrate consumption reduces postoperative muscle loss, promotes muscle strength, 21 and facilitates early physical activities (out of bed). We recommend administering patient-controlled analgesia before the patient gets out of bed.…”

Effects of epidural analgesia on gastric emptying in parturients monitored by ultrasound

“…Some studies have found that patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction have a lower incidence of gastroesophageal re ux and vomiting after eating semi-solid food than after consuming liquids [10][11]. Consistent with the dietary culture in China, for many years most parturients have eaten semi-solid food during labor [12]. Chewing and stimulation of chyme can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis [13] ,relieve anxiety and discomfort caused by hunger, and reduce excitement of the sympathetic nervous system.…”

Prevalence of risk stomach in laboring women allowed to unrestrictive oral intake: a comparative cross-sectional study

“…In china, for example, childbirth is traditionally considered as a process in which the mother continuously consumes energy, and supplementing food is beneficial. Therefore, a relatively liberal oral intake policy on the labor ward is adopted in about 77% hospitals in China, [ 6 ] which may significantly increase the risk of aspiration when general anesthesia is required unexpectedly.…”