Modern mothers-to-be are adopting a practice once reserved for endurance athletes, incorporating sports nutrition products like energy gels and chews to sustain themselves through pregnancy and labor.
This trend reflects a growing understanding that both athletic pursuits and childbearing demand significant caloric intake and sustained energy. "It makes total sense," said Lauren Puretz, an OB-GYN and ultrarunner. "Whether logging miles or carrying a child, the feats take fuel—and sometimes sports nutrition products are all that go down."
Professional runner Emma Bates shared that energy gels, like those from her former sponsor UCAN, proved invaluable not only during her athletic training but also during her pregnancy. "Once nausea hits, once the dizzy spells hit, you need something stat—and gels are an amazing fuel source for that," Bates stated. "I’ve heard so many women talk about how they’ve taken gels during the birthing process, in the labor and delivery room."
Paige Foote, a dietitian and founder of the energy chew brand Noogs, utilized her own products during her son's birth. After experiencing prolonged labor, Foote reached for her chews during the pushing stage, recognizing the need for quick carbohydrates. "I would just pop a couple every now and then because at that point, I hadn’t eaten all day," Foote explained. "I needed carbohydrates to help sustain me through this super strenuous activity."
Energy gels and chews are formulated with easily digestible carbohydrates and electrolytes, designed to provide a rapid energy source for prolonged physical exertion. Athletes often choose these products for convenience and to minimize digestive discomfort. Amy Goblirsch, a dietitian and distance runner, noted the similarity between the energy demands of long races and labor. "Your body is gearing up for labor, and [it would be great] to be able to have that energy when you get to push versus ‘I feel like I’m at Mile 20 where I haven’t fueled properly. I’m bonking, I’m hitting the wall. I don’t have the energy during the part that’s going to require the most.’"
Pregnancy itself presents unique nutritional challenges, with increased calorie needs often coinciding with food aversions. Childbirth, a physically demanding process, can also come with dietary restrictions. Historically, laboring women were often advised to fast, but this practice was found to lead to fatigue and extended labor. Current guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists support moderate amounts of clear fluids during active labor but generally advise against solid food to mitigate the risk of aspiration in case anesthesia is needed for a Cesarean section.
Puretz advises that while women should consult their healthcare providers before using sports nutrition products during labor, gels and chews might offer a viable option for those who are already accustomed to them. She suggests avoiding or limiting those containing caffeine and bold colors. "You don’t want to freak everybody out that you have blood in your urine," she cautioned.
While these products can be pricey, Puretz noted they may not be significantly more effective than hospital-provided glucose solutions. However, for fitness enthusiasts who already have them on hand, they can be a convenient and familiar energy source. "Just like we always say don’t try anything new on race day," Puretz said, "you probably don’t want to try something new on labor day."
The parallels between endurance sports and pregnancy extend beyond nutrition. Pregnancy has been described as a "9-month stress test" that significantly alters the cardiovascular system. The caloric expenditure during pregnancy, estimated at around 80,000 extra calories, is comparable to running a marathon weekly for 40 weeks. Both pregnancy and marathon running require stamina, careful attention to a changing body, and a flexible mindset to navigate unforeseen challenges. As Puretz noted, "In any race, you’re anticipating and preparing for the fact that you don’t know how the day’s going to go... That is very similar to labor, but at least you know where the finish line is going to be."