Labor is a physically demanding process that often lasts many hours, leading people to seek simple measures for comfort, particularly for dry mouth or thirst. This frequently leads to the question of whether chewing gum is permitted in the delivery room. The general answer is no, as this restriction is rooted in maintaining patient safety should a sudden change in medical care be necessary. Understanding the protocols around oral intake during childbirth explains why this seemingly harmless activity is often prohibited by hospital policy.
Understanding Oral Intake Restrictions During Labor
Hospital protocols for eating and drinking during labor mitigate the serious medical risk of pulmonary aspiration. This occurs when stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs, which can lead to severe complications, including chemical pneumonia. The risk is highest if a patient requires emergency general anesthesia for an urgent delivery, such as an unplanned cesarean section.
Pregnancy increases this risk because progesterone relaxes smooth muscles, including the esophageal sphincter. The growing uterus also places upward pressure on the stomach, making regurgitation easier. Labor contractions and pain medications further slow the digestive process, meaning contents remain in the stomach longer.
Modern guidelines have largely shifted away from strict “nothing by mouth” (NPO) rules for low-risk patients. Many facilities now permit clear liquids, like water, clear broth, and certain sports drinks, during labor. This relaxation applies specifically to liquids that pass quickly through the stomach and does not extend to solid foods or items that stimulate digestion.
Why Chewing Gum Poses a Unique Risk
Chewing gum is restricted because it actively stimulates the digestive system through the cephalic phase of digestion, which begins before anything is swallowed. The act of chewing signals the body that food is incoming, prompting the stomach to increase the production of gastric fluids and acid. This elevated volume of fluid is the primary concern because it increases the potential for aspiration should general anesthesia become necessary.
While chewing sugarless gum may not significantly alter the stomach’s acid level, it often increases the total volume of fluid present. The goal of fasting before anesthesia is to ensure the stomach is as empty as possible, and the increased fluid volume from gum conflicts with this safety measure. Furthermore, there is a mechanical risk that the gum itself could be accidentally swallowed, introducing a solid object into the digestive tract.
The presence of any solid material, including swallowed gum, is medically undesirable because solids are more damaging to lung tissue than clear liquids if aspirated. Even though gum is not a food, its ability to trigger digestive secretions and the risk of swallowing a non-digestible substance mean it is included in the list of prohibited items during active labor. Most hospital policies forbid its use entirely.
Comfort Measures and Safe Alternatives
The primary reason for wanting to chew gum during labor is to combat the dry mouth and bad taste that accompany intense contractions and labor breathing. Fortunately, there are several safe alternatives to address these common discomforts.
Safe Alternatives for Dry Mouth
Sucking on ice chips is one of the most widely accepted methods, as the small amount of melted water provides hydration and relief without introducing significant volume to the stomach. Other effective strategies include asking for wet sponges or small cloths soaked in water, sometimes referred to as “lollipops,” which can be gently sucked on.
Rinsing the mouth with a small amount of water or mouthwash and immediately spitting it out also provides temporary relief from dryness. Applying lip balm frequently helps soothe dry or chapped lips.
In cases where hospital policy permits, sucking on hard candies or popsicles made from clear liquids offers a similar benefit to gum by stimulating saliva flow. These options avoid the mechanical risk of a sticky, non-dissolvable solid. These measures help manage thirst and dryness while maintaining safety standards for a fluid-only stomach.