Enhanced vs. Routine Clear Liquid Intake in Labor

Clear Liquids vs Enhanced Clear Liquids; Effect on Labor Performance

The goal of the study is to see if the addition of a carbohydrate- and protein-enhanced gel during labor speeds labor and reduces the rate of cesarean delivery.

Patients will be randomized to placebo or experimental arm of study. In the placebo arm, patients will receive standard clear liquid diet, which includes ginger ale, variety of fruit juices, and plain soup broth. The experimental arm will receive the standard clear liquid diet, and in addition will receive Accel Gel every 3 hours while in labor.

Inclusion criteria:

• Nulliparity (first baby)
• Admission with the intent to deliver vaginally
• Gestational age >36 weeks
• Age ≥ 18

Exclusion criteria:

• Planned cesarean delivery
• Renal Disease
• Preeclampsia
• Diabetes (Pre-gestational or Gestational)
• Allergy to any component of sports drink
• NPO diet by physician