Why Can’t You Eat During Labor + 12 Other Funny Things About Pregnancy

Did you know why you can’t eat during labor? Check out the answer and some other funny things about pregnancy!

Everyone experiences pregnancy differently but at the same time, mothers-to-be get to share in such a wonderful experience!

Whether you are pregnant with your first or fifth child, you’ll never know what to expect during those nine months.

Pregnancy is a funny thing and, while you are likely familiar with the mechanics, there are so many interesting things you can learn about your journey.

One question I’ve always pondered is, “Why can’t you eat during labor?” I mean, you’re about to experience the workout of a lifetime and your body is going to need food to fuel the physical effort!

When I was looking up the answer, I came across some other funny things about pregnancy that I thought I would share too.

So, if you’re in your first trimester, second trimester or third trimester, make sure to check out this post and bookmark it for the future!

So, Why Cant You Eat During Labor?

The belief that you can’t eat during labor started around 1946 when a study explored the idea that there was a higher risk of lung harm if food or liquid were breathed into a pregnant woman’s lungs while under general anesthesia.

However, general anesthesia is not used as much as it used to be, and now women giving birth have the option of regional anesthesia such as the epidural.

So does this mean that you still cant eat during labor?

If you are having a planned C-section, you can’t eat or drink anything prior to the surgery.

The same goes if you are at high risk for a C-section, in which you may be asked to refrain from eating and drinking once labor starts.

Otherwise, whether or not you can eat during labor depends on the hospital’s policies.

This is why it’s important to talk to your doctor about what you can consume prior to labor and during the process.

Most of the time, as long as you are not facing general anesthesia, you can have moderate amounts of liquid such as water, juice, and clear broths.

Food-wise, avoid large meals and stick to things like applesauce, popsicles, and toast.

The idea that you can’t eat during labor may seem outdated, but it’s not completely without its merit. It’s still best to avoid foods to ensure the safe and healthy birth of your child.

Other Funny Things About Pregnancy

Here are other funny things you probably didn’t know about pregnancy!

1. Your Feet Can Go Up in Size

During pregnancy, it’s possible for your body to swell and retain fluids, especially in your feet.

You may find that your feet actually go up in size and that your ankles completely disappear!

Don’t worry, this isn’t permanent.

While you may have to buy shoes to accommodate this change in size, everything will go back to normal after your baby is born.

2. Your Skin Can Change Color

Because your body is going into overdrive to produce hormones during pregnancy, this can stimulate melanin cells and change your skin pigmentation.

You may notice that your freckles become more pronounced or that the area around your nipples darkens.

This is most common for those with darker skin tones, and these changes will fade away after your baby is born.

If you’re worried about skincare during your pregnancy, check out my post on safe skincare products you can use during your pregnancy!

Have you signed up to an online birthing class yet? Check out the Kopa Birth Class for a natural birthing experience

3. Pregnancy Brain is a Real Thing

Do you find yourself forgetting things during your pregnancy? Is your brain in a fog?

This may sound like a wive’s tale but science has shown that brain changes during pregnancy can affect your cognitive abilities.

Pregnancy brain can make it difficult to focus and it is caused by cognitive changes due to increased hormone production, stress, and loss of sleep.

4. Your Partner Can Experience Pregnancy Symptoms

“Sympathetic pregnancy” is a real condition in which male partners experience pregnancy symptoms such as weight gain, nausea, and swelling.

It may not be enough for them to play the “I know what you’re going through card,” (I doubt they’ll experience the pee leaks and lightning crotch) but at least you know that you may not be totally alone in your experience!

5. Pregnancy Cravings Can Be Caused By Nutritional Deficiencies

There are a number of things that cause pregnancy cravings such as those pesky hormones and a heightened sense of taste and smell.

However, pregnancy cravings can be caused by nutritional deficiencies.

You can actually take a look at your cravings to determine which nutrients your body is missing.

For example, craving pickles may mean you are low on sodium, and wanting red meat may mean your body needs more iron.

Although, I’m not sure if this explains weird cravings like milk and Doritos!

6. Snacking in the Middle of the Night Can Help Morning Sickness

Those 3 am hunger pangs you experience during pregnancy may actually be helpful!

Snacking in the middle of the night can help relieve morning sickness.

This is because morning sickness is mainly caused by having an empty stomach but, if you grab a healthy snack late at night, your stomach will likely feel less nauseated in the morning.

If you don’t find yourself waking in the wee hours to eat, you can always have a snack as soon as you wake up too.

7. Babies Can Taste the Foods You Eat

Check out this weird pregnancy symptom I had no idea about!

Speaking of eating, your baby can actually taste some of the foods you eat!

Strong flavors (like garlic) can pass through the amniotic fluid and tickle your baby’s tastebuds.

There was actually a study where moms who drank a lot of carrot juice during their pregnancy ended up with babies who loved it too!

8. If You Suffer From Heartburn, Your Baby Will Probably Be Born With Hair

This is another funny thing about pregnancy that sounds like an old wive’s tale but science has shown that pregnant mothers who suffer from heartburn are more likely to give birth to babies with hair.

This is because your body is producing higher levels of estrogen and progesterone which contribute to hair growth. These hormones also relax the esophagus which leads to acid reflux.

I suffered extreme heartburn when I was pregnant but I think that was more because I had two babies in my belly and not one!

My daughter was scrunched into a ball right by my throat it seemed!

So, she ended up affecting my heartburn and I had to pretty much sleep upright with my pregnancy pillow to get a good decent sleep.

9. Babies Cry in the Womb

Advanced 4D ultrasounds have shown that babies have emotional expressions, such as frowning, while still in the womb.

It’s also been shown, through measured breathing patterns, that unborn babies also cry.

Don’t worry, your little one is not upset.

They are just practicing for the real world!

10. They Also Pee There Too

Yeah, this is probably something you were better off not knowing but it is still a funny thing about pregnancy I wanted to share!

During the second trimester, your baby will start peeing in the uterus.

Interestingly, the amniotic fluid that surrounds your little one is made mostly of sterile urine.

11. Your Heart Gets Bigger

And it’s not just from the love for your unborn child! When you’re pregnant, your blood volume increases by about 50% in order to supply enough oxygen to your child.

For this reason, your heart increases in size to help pump all that blood around your body.

12. Your Voice Can Change

While you may not be crooning perfectly-pitched Adele tunes, the increase in estrogen and progesterone can cause your vocal folds to swell and your voice to change.

You may find yourself unable to produce higher notes and your voice may deepen.

FAQs on Pregnancy Symptoms

1. How Can I Avoid Morning Sickness?

There are a few things you can do to try and avoid morning sickness, such as:

Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of large meals
Having crackers or something else light to eat first thing in the morning before getting out of bed
Avoiding foods and smells that make you feel nauseated
Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
Try Sea Bands (this worked for me)

2. Why Do I Go Crazy When Pregnant?

There are a number of reasons why you might go a little bit crazy during pregnancy.

Top reasons include:

Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels
Physical and emotional stress related to the pregnancy, such as anxiety about childbirth or worries about your baby’s health
Nutritional deficiencies or dehydration
Sleep deprivation

When you notice that you are dizzy or feeling crazy, try meditating or taking a nap!

This is just your body telling you that you are stressed and you need to take it easy!

3. How Early in Pregnancy Do You Feel Tired?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as every person’s experience with pregnancy can be different.

Some women may start feeling tired and fatigued as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy, while others might not feel this way until later on in the pregnancy.

Even though I was pregnant with twins, I wasn’t tired until I started gaining more weight and it was harder for me to move around.

Factors that can affect when you start feeling tired during pregnancy include your overall health, the health of your baby, and any other stresses you might be experiencing in your life.

If you are concerned about being tired during pregnancy, it is important to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing your symptoms.

4. How Can I Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

Stretch marks are a top fear of pregnant women!

But there are a few things you can do to try and avoid stretch marks during pregnancy, such as:

Keeping your skin hydrated by applying lotion or cream regularly
Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support skin health
Wearing clothing and undergarments that provide support to your abdomen, such as maternity bands or belly wraps
Trying out different skin-resurfacing treatments or massages to improve the appearance of stretch marks once they appear
Using stretch mark creams to diminish the look of stretches on the skin

5. How Can I Get More Energy During Pregnancy?

If you feel tired or just lack energy during your pregnancy try these things out to increase your energy level:

Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of large meals
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or fluids like herbal tea
Getting regular exercise to help improve blood circulation and increase energy levels
Taking short naps during the day to help combat fatigue

Pregnancy Is Weird, Right?

But with so many amazing changes happening with your body, it’s no wonder funny things start to happen!

So whether you are wondering “Why can’t you eat during labor?” or questioning other strange things about pregnancy, I hope you found your answers!

Now I want to know: What’s the funniest thing you experienced during pregnancy?

Let me know in the comments!

Remember to pin me!