Why should you avoid giving birth on an empty stomach?

Pregnant women are often at a loss when they are about to give birth, and don't know what to do. Basically, doctors will recommend that you take a shower, eat something, and walk more to help open the birth canal. But in addition to the discomfort of giving birth and being on an empty stomach, exercising, drinking coffee, and taking medicine on an empty stomach are not suitable.

What to avoid on an empty stomach

During childbirth: When you enter the labor stage, your body needs a lot of energy to cope with the labor process, and being hungry will make you have no energy. Therefore, many doctors will recommend pregnant women who have begun to show signs of labor to eat something first to increase their physical strength.

Drink tea or coffee: Many people like to drink coffee first thing in the morning to clear their heads, but drinking coffee or tea on an empty stomach will increase stomach acid levels, making you more likely to vomit or have constipation.

Exercise and workout: If you think exercising on an empty stomach can help you lose weight or reap the benefits of exercise, you are wrong. Exercising on an empty stomach can make you drowsy and reduce your overall exercise efficiency.

Taking medications on an empty stomach: Avoid taking medications on an empty stomach in the morning as it may irritate the intestinal lining and cause stomach ulcers, especially antibiotics or aspirin. In some cases, especially if recommended by your doctor, you may need to take acid-producing medications or anti-nausea medications.

Citrus fruits: Some fruits can be eaten on an empty stomach, such as bananas or apples, but avoid citrus fruits. Eating fruits on an empty stomach in the morning, such as grapes and citrus fruits, will increase your acidity.

Traveling abroad: According to research, it is best not to leave home without eating, because an empty stomach will make people have no strength to fight microorganisms, so they will easily get sick.

Shopping in supermarkets and stores: Most people like shopping, but if you enter a supermarket or convenience store on an empty stomach, you will easily buy some high-calorie and fat foods to satisfy your hungry stomach.

Precautions for pregnant women during labor

Pay attention to the signs of labor: When you notice signs of labor, such as strong uterine contractions, amniotic fluid rupture, bleeding, etc., you should immediately pack up your belongings and prepare to go to the hospital. If it is still within your control, you can also take a shower and change clothes first.

Eat something first: In order to cope with the process of pushing the baby during childbirth, you need a lot of physical strength and energy. Therefore, doctors will recommend pregnant women to eat something first to avoid being out of strength when the time comes.

Walking helps uterine contractions: Usually when uterine contractions are frequent, the cervix may not be fully dilated. Therefore, doctors will recommend pregnant women to walk more and take a walk to increase the time the birth canal is open.

Tips for a smooth delivery for pregnant women

Develop a fitness routine: If you've never exercised, pregnancy is a good time to start. Exercise helps you cope with the demands of pregnancy and childbirth, so you can do exercises that strengthen your pelvic and thigh muscles to help you cope with the stress and fatigue of childbirth.

Stay stress-free: Although stress is hard to avoid, try to keep yourself stress-free. Stress during labor can reduce the production of oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions, and prolong the labor process and make it more painful. Therefore, try to relax yourself.

Practice proper breathing: Proper breathing can help reduce stress, increase energy, and help your baby grow and develop better. Adequate oxygen intake can improve your baby's health and vitality, making your baby more cooperative during childbirth. 4. Stay away from horror stories: You may often hear horror stories about childbirth shared by other mothers, but after all, everyone's childbirth situation is different, and listening to these will only increase your worries and stress. Therefore, try to stay away from them.

Always eat right: Diet affects pregnancy, labor, and birth, so you should eat nutritious foods to nourish your body, make you stronger, help your baby grow and develop, and keep your system healthy. Maintain your weight and avoid being overweight.

Understand childbirth: Attend any prenatal courses related to childbirth to help yourself understand the conditions that you will face during the childbirth process, including labor pains, signs of uterine contractions, breathing techniques, etc., so that you can be mentally prepared and reduce the pressure of childbirth.

Regular perineal massage: Regular perineal massage after the 7th month of pregnancy can help you cope with childbirth, control stress, reduce swelling, muscle tension and joint pain. In addition, perineal massage can also help the fetal head slide out more easily.