The American Society of Anesthesiologists has released new guidelines for 2007 including the use of pain medications as well as allowing mothers to drink clear fluids.
New ASA guidelines released this month includes revision of former guidelines from 1998. Recommendations include offering epidurals or spinals to those mothers who may be interested in them even in early labor. They also include a recommendation that spinals and epidurals are preferred over general anesthesia for cesarean births.
The most interesting part of the the revised guidelines is allowing mothers the option to drink small amounts of clear liquids during labor. The ASA states that "drinking clear liquids in limited quantities has been found to bring comfort to women in labor and does not increase labor complications. Women with uncomplicated labor may drink small amounts of clear liquid, while those scheduled for nonemergency cesarean section may drink small amounts of clear liquids up to 2 hours before anesthesia administration."
Since many hospitals still restrict fluid intake to mothers in labor, expectant parents should be encouraged to dialogue with their providers about the option of drinking clear fluids. See this article for more information about eating and drinking.
What are your thoughts about the revised guidelines in terms of drinking clear fluids? Share your thoughts on the forum.
Brenda
