A woman in labour needs fluids and, to a lesser degree food, to keep her energised, and to keep the contractions strong. The uterus is a muscle (like any other muscle in the body), needing energy to function. Food such as fruit, toast, chocolate, snack bars, soup or yoghurt can be offered. However, these will usually be more appropriate in the early phases of the labour. As her labour intensifies, her desire for food will usually subside.
Offer her fluids, ice chips or flavoured ice blocks between each (or every other) contraction. Be guided by her preferences, but drinks like diluted pear or apple juice, non-carbonated mineral water or electrolyte sports drinks, can provide her with fluid (as well as glucose and energy) she needs.
If she is vomiting, it is best to avoid acidic or carbonated drinks, but you should continue to encourage her to take sips. The vomiting is usually short-lived and she will continue to need fluids. Glucose lollies, (particularly the ones on sticks) can be useful, as most women will want to spit it out during a contraction (into your hand usually!) You may wish to read
vomiting during labour.
Remember to keep your food and fluids up too. It is important that your energy levels are maintained, so you can look after yourself and her. You may need to pack some snacks for yourself as well.
Reminding her to urinate regularly
It is important for the labouring woman to keep her bladder emptied, at least every couple of hours. A full bladder can inhibit her labour, slow the descent of the baby's head, make her more uncomfortable than she should be and can contribute to a haemorrhage after the baby is born (because it stops the uterus from contracting down). If she is unable to empty her bladder, her caregiver may need to put a catheter in to empty it for her. You may wish to read
unable to urinate.
Remind her to urinate every 2 - 3 hours. If she has trouble emptying her bladder, you can try a couple of suggestions.