Ice Chip Torture During Labor Myth: American Society of Anesthesiologists Suggests Fasting Unnecessary
The Myth of Chewing Ice Cubes During Labor
Myths surrounding labor and birth are plentiful; as science advances and research moves along, myths are identified, and old ways discarded.
The “Ice-Chips- During-Labor-Thing” is one such myth. And, for the most part, it’s been dispelled by meta-studies and vigorous research. In other words, it’s now officially “woo.”
The findings were also presented at a conference in the same year.
Say it Aint’ So! Fasting For Laboring Women UNNECESSARY?
Shockingly to many practicing nurses and physicians, the Society publicly stated that fasting is unnecessary for most women in labor who aren’t experiencing complications, and went to far as to out forth the idea that a woman in labor might even benefit from a light meal during labor.
In fact, the Society had already released an updated document updating the practice guidelines for anesthesia, only a few yeas before, in 2007.
These guidelines were, according to the guidelines itself, are recommendations that assist not only the practitioner in making decisions, but the patient as well.
Considering the intake of clear liquids, the 2007 Guidelines sate clearly that there is insufficient published evidence to draw conclusions about fasting and the risk of emesis or pulmonary aspiration during labor.
In fact, the intake of clear liquids can help a woman’s comfort and “satisfaction,” according to the document.
This is said to apply to uncomplicated labor patients.
So…They Can’t Even Say That EATING Is Verboten During Labor? What?!
As far as solids go, the document again states that there is insufficient published evidence to be able to meaningfully address the “…safety of any particular fasting period for solids in obstetric patients. ”
This change in practice contrasts sharply with what women have been traditionally instructed to do concerning eating and drinking during labor.
While this may all seem like a draconian means of making labor impossibly difficult and burdensome, there’s a more mundane reason.
Doctors were concerned, in retrospect more than need be, that eating or drinking during labor might cause a woman to aspirate food or beverages into the lungs.
A Change In Practice makes Sense” -Christopher Harty, BN
A review of literally hundreds of studies concluded that this concern is unfounded, and healthy patients should not be overly concerned with this.
Christopher Harty, BN, co-author of the meta-study, had this to say on the matter:
“Our findings suggest a change in practice makes sense.
Physician anesthesiologists and obstetricians should work together to assess each patient individually. Those they determine are at low risk for aspiration can likely eat a light meal during labor. This gives expectant mothers more choices in their birthing experience and prevents them from being calorie deficient, helping to provide energy during labor.”
Why Did *I* Have To Chew Ice, Then? That’s Not FAIR!
If you’ve had a baby, even recently, you may still have been asked to chomp down on some ice cubes, even if you weren’t experiencing any complications.
Why? The medical team at the facility you gave birth at may not have been well-informed about the latest recommendations. That’s likely the reason.
Also, medical culture is enduring and practices persists, particularly among those who are more experienced and have been doing things a certain way for a while.
A line is drawn; patients may now have clear liquids up to two hours before the induction of anesthesia, according to the updated guidelines.
Clear liquids include, “… water, fruit juices without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, black coffee, and sports drinks.”
Volume is unimportant; particulates in the liquid are. In other words, the drink must be without anything floating in it, or undissolved.
For solid food, a fasting period before elective surgery should fast from six to eight hours, depending upon the type of food and its ease of digestibility.
Further restriction may also apply on a case-by-case basis.
No Science Behind The Customary Ice “Chomp-A-Thon”
And so, we can see that although many women are still asked to chomp down on ice cube after ice cube, it’s really without any scientific reason.
If you’re going to be giving birth, perhaps a discussion with your birthing professional overseeing your labor and time in the hospital is well in order.
That is, unless you really, really like chewing on ice.
In that case, you probably are okay.
Has one comment to “Ice Chip Torture During Labor Myth: American Society of Anesthesiologists Suggests Fasting Unnecessary”
Soccer Fan in PA - July 1, 2025
So all that stuff my mom told us about the ice cubes was all to make her safe from a threat that didn’t exist? I wonder how many women choked on ice cubes then..