Ayuno vs. dieta líquida. Estudio aleatorizado controlado para evaluar la duración de la labor de parto,tasa de cesáreas y satisfacción con la labor

Aim

To evaluate the benefits of allowing oral intake of clear liquids in terms of labor duration, the cesarean section rate, and personal satisfaction.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was carried out to assess the effects of a clear liquid diet in a low risk population. The primary outcome was labor duration. The secondary outcome was the incidence of cesarean section. A satisfaction survey was performed within the first 2 h after delivery to evaluate the patient's perception of labor.

Results

A total of 348 patients were randomized. The mean duration of labor was 257.75 min in the liquid diet group and 288.40 min in the fasting group (p = NS). There was no statistically significant difference (per-protocol analysis and intention-to-treat analysis) in the cesarean section rate.Patients reported greater satisfaction when allowed to drink during labor than when fasting.

Conclusion

A clear liquid diet during labor did not alter the duration of labor or the cesarean section rate. Allowing a liquid diet during labor was associated with a better perception of the birth process and a higher degree of satisfaction.