Sports Drink vs Water for Pregnant Women in Labor

Overseen By Yunping Li, MD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Must not be taking: Narcotics, Magnesium sulfate

Disqualifiers: Preeclampsia, Diabetes, Multiple gestations, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 60 minutes

108 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether water or a carbohydrate-based sports drink helps pregnant women in early labor empty their stomachs more effectively, especially when using epidural pain relief. The researchers aim to determine which drink might clear the stomach faster, potentially affecting comfort and digestion during labor. Participants will be divided into groups to try either water or the sports drink, with or without pain relief. Women who are at least 36 weeks pregnant with a single baby and starting labor might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to important research that could enhance comfort and digestion during labor.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those who have received narcotics within 12 hours or are receiving magnesium sulfate.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that sports drinks are generally safe to consume, even during labor. Studies have found that mothers who haven't received certain pain medications, like opioids, can safely drink these beverages during active labor. One study found that sports drinks can help reduce ketosis—a condition where the body uses fat for energy—without harming the mother or baby during labor.

While energy drinks have been linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure if consumed before pregnancy, sports drinks differ. They are often used to maintain hydration. Many hospitals allow pregnant individuals to eat and drink freely during labor, including sports drinks.

Water is well-known for its safety and importance in staying hydrated. Drinking water during labor is also common in many hospitals. Overall, both water and sports drinks are generally safe to use during labor, according to available research. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard care for hydration during labor, which typically involves water, this trial examines the potential benefits of a carbohydrate sports drink. Researchers are excited about this approach because sports drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, which might provide energy and better hydration, potentially improving endurance and comfort for women in labor. While water is essential, the added nutrients in sports drinks could support the physical demands of labor more effectively than water alone.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for stomach emptying in early labor?

This trial will compare the effects of sports drinks and water for pregnant women in labor. Studies have shown that isotonic sports drinks are safe during labor for women who haven't taken strong pain medications like opioids. Research suggests these drinks might help reduce ketosis, a condition where the body uses fat for energy. However, no evidence indicates that sports drinks affect outcomes for the mother or baby during labor. While these drinks don't seem to change delivery results, they might help with energy levels during labor. The trial continues to study the effectiveness of sports drinks compared to water during labor. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for pregnant women who are at least 36 weeks along, have a single baby, and are either being induced or in early labor with less than 6cm dilation. They should be relatively healthy as judged by anesthesiology standards.

Inclusion Criteria

Singleton gestation

Induction of labor or early labor (cervical dilation < 6cm)

I have a mild to severe systemic disease.

Exclusion Criteria

Recent food ingestion (<3 hours)

Having received narcotics within 12 hours

I have diabetes.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants in early labor will ingest either 100 ml of water or a carbohydrate sports drink, and gastric emptying will be measured using ultrasound over 60 minutes.

60 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for hunger levels using a visual analogue scale for up to two hours after ingestion.

2 hours

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Sports drink
• Water

Trial Overview The study aims to compare how fast the stomach empties when drinking water versus a carbohydrate-based sports drink during early labor, with and without epidural pain relief.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Early labor, analgesia: Sports drink Active Control 1 Intervention

Subject will ingest 100 ml of a carbohydrate sports drink

Group II: Early labor, no analgesia: Sports drink Active Control 1 Intervention

Subject will ingest 100 ml of a carbohydrate sports drink

Group III: Early labor, analgesia: Water Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Subject will ingest 100 ml of water

Group IV: Early Labor, no analgesia: Water Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Subject will ingest 100 ml of water

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

872

Recruited

12,930,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Nearly 60% of adolescents regularly consume sports drinks, which were originally designed for elite athletes to enhance performance and prevent dehydration, heat stroke, and muscle cramps.

There is a need for better education and counseling on the appropriate use of sports drinks, as current marketing often misleads consumers about their health benefits and the level of physical activity required for their proper use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Approaches to Reduce Sports Drink Consumption Among Adolescents. White, ND.[2020]

A 6.5% isomaltulose-electrolyte beverage significantly improved postexercise hydration by increasing plasma volume compared to a 2% solution or water, as shown in a study with 10 young healthy men after exercise-induced dehydration.

Despite enhancing hydration, the 6.5% isomaltulose beverage did not affect physiological heat loss responses, indicating it can be effective for rehydration without compromising the body's ability to cool itself during heat stress.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of isomaltulose ingestion on postexercise hydration state and heat loss responses in young men. Amano, T., Sugiyama, Y., Okumura, J., et al.[2020]

In a study with seven trained cyclists exercising in heat for 120 minutes, rehydrating with commercial sports drinks (Gatorade and Powerade) significantly preserved leg power and force compared to not drinking anything (DEH), while water and a low-sodium drink did not provide the same benefits.

Cyclists who did not hydrate lost more body mass and had higher body temperatures, indicating that rehydration is crucial for maintaining performance in hot conditions, but the sodium content in sports drinks plays a key role in their effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anaerobic performance when rehydrating with water or commercially available sports drinks during prolonged exercise in the heat. Coso, JD., Estevez, E., Baquero, RA., et al.[2016]

A study of 142 pregnant women showed that total fluid intake (TFI) increased throughout pregnancy, but a significant majority (over 85%) did not meet the recommended fluid intake levels in all three trimesters, indicating a widespread issue with hydration during pregnancy.

The research found a moderate negative correlation between urine osmolality and TFI, suggesting that higher fluid intake is associated with better hydration status, highlighting the need for improved fluid intake strategies and health education for pregnant women.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Amount of Fluid Intake among Pregnant Women in China Increases with Pregnancy Progression: A Prospective Cohort Study. Song, Y., Zhang, F., Wang, X., et al.[2023]

Excessive water intake during labor can lead to life-threatening hyponatraemia in both mothers and newborns, as demonstrated in a case involving four term infants and one mother.

The study emphasizes the need for awareness and guidelines in delivery units to prevent and manage perinatal water intoxication, which can present symptoms similar to pre-eclampsia or dehydration.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perinatal water intoxication due to excessive oral intake during labour. Johansson, S., Lindow, S., Kapadia, H., et al.[2019]

Coconut water, whether pure or from concentrate, is as effective as traditional carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drinks in promoting rehydration and supporting exercise performance after dehydration, based on a study with 12 exercise-trained men.

Participants reported feeling more bloated and experienced greater stomach upset after consuming coconut water compared to other beverages, indicating potential discomfort despite similar hydration outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men. Kalman, DS., Feldman, S., Krieger, DR., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 50 adult triathletes and runners, a commercially available 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte sports beverage (CCE) was found to be the most palatable and consumed the most during exercise compared to diluted orange juice (DOJ), homemade sports beverage (HCE), and water (W).

The results suggest that beverage palatability significantly influences voluntary intake during exercise, with CCE being preferred over other options, which could impact hydration and energy replenishment strategies for athletes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Palatability and voluntary intake of sports beverages, diluted orange juice, and water during exercise. Passe, DH., Horn, M., Stofan, J., et al.[2019]

In a study involving 14 middle-aged men, hydration with plain water or sports drinks did not improve work capacity during 90 minutes of indoor cycling compared to no liquid intake, indicating that hydration does not affect performance in this context.

Body temperature was found to be the most sensitive indicator of hydration status during exercise, with significant increases in body temperature, heart rate, and mean blood pressure observed when no liquids were consumed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute physiological response to indoor cycling with and without hydration; case and self-control study. Ramos-Jiménez, A., Hernández-Torres, RP., Wall-Medrano, A., et al.[2013]

A systematic review of 8 randomized controlled trials involving 691 women found that oral carbohydrate supplementation during labor did not significantly change outcomes such as the risk of cesarean section or length of labor.

The study showed that small amounts of oral carbohydrates did not increase the risk of complications like vomiting or low Apgar scores, indicating that they are safe to use during labor without affecting the overall labor process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does oral carbohydrate supplementation improve labour outcome? A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. Malin, GL., Bugg, GJ., Thornton, J., et al.[2018]

Rehydration solutions that contain water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes are most effective for recovering from dehydration, as they enhance the absorption of fluids and nutrients.

Properly balanced rehydration beverages not only restore electrolyte balance and carbohydrates but also improve physical endurance and reduce stress during recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Dehydration and rehydration of the human body. Physiopathologic and clinical considerations]. Formenti, A., Vittadini, G.[2006]

In a study of 60 women in early labor, those who consumed isotonic sport drinks showed reduced maternal ketosis compared to those who only drank water, indicating a potential benefit for metabolic stability during labor.

Both groups had similar gastric residual volumes and rates of vomiting, suggesting that isotonic drinks can be safely consumed during labor without increasing the risk of complications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An evaluation of isotonic "sport drinks" during labor. Kubli, M., Scrutton, MJ., Seed, PT., et al.[2022]

A study of over 15,000 high school students showed that while overall daily consumption of sports drinks has decreased, 57.6% reported consuming them at least weekly, indicating their continued popularity among teens.

Concerns arise as daily consumption of sports drinks increased among teenagers who watch more than 2 hours of television per day, highlighting a potential link between sedentary behavior and unhealthy beverage choices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adolescent Consumption of Sports Drinks. Cordrey, K., Keim, SA., Milanaik, R., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 3984 healthy pregnant women, carbohydrate intake during labor (through juice every 3 hours) did not significantly reduce the rate of instrumental vaginal deliveries compared to fasting (water only).

There were no notable differences in secondary outcomes such as duration of labor, cesarean delivery rates, or maternal self-reported experiences of hunger, thirst, stress, or fatigue between the carbohydrate and fasting groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Oral Carbohydrate Intake During Labor on the Rate of Instrumental Vaginal Delivery: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial. Simonet, T., Gakuba, C., Desmeulles, I., et al.[2020]

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-1-2021-f4dba

Sports Drink vs Water for Pregnant Women in Labor Trial Overview The study aims to compare how fast the stomach empties when drinking water versus a carbohydrate-based sports drink during early labor, with and ...

2. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/273590580_Evaluation_Of_Isotonic_'Sports_Drinks'_In_Labor

Evaluation Of Isotonic 'Sports Drinks' In Labor | Request PDF They found that even though isotonic sports drinks decreased ketosis, it had no effect on maternal or neonatal outcome of labour. 24 Scheepers ...

3. bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-022-04659-2

Effect of a carbohydrate-rich beverage on rate of cesarean ... No effect of energy supply during childbirth on delivery outcomes in nulliparous women: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10660164/

Intake of Energy Drinks Before and During Pregnancy ... This cohort study uses data from the Nurses' Health Study and the Growing Up Today Study to assess the association of energy drink intake before and during ...

5. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11812708/

An evaluation of isotonic "sport drinks" during labor Results demonstrate that mothers who have not received parenteral opioids can safely drink isotonic drinks in active labor.

6. evidencebasedbirth.com evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-eating-drinking-labor/

Evidence on: Eating and Drinking During Labor 77% of hospitals allowed pregnant people to bring easily digestible food. 67% allowed pregnant people to eat and drink as desired during labor.