Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 50 Women only

Gastric emptying in women in early labor with different drinks

Official title: Examining the Gastric Emptying Halftime of Water Versus a Carbohydrate in Early Labor

Run by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NCT04229043 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests how quickly the stomach empties in women in early labor after drinking water or a sports drink, while also looking at their hunger levels and whether they received epidural pain relief.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment108 (estimated)
SponsorBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 1, 2021
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT04229043 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include pregnant women at 36 weeks gestation or greater who are in early labor and meet specific health criteria.

Probably not a fit

Patients with conditions such as preeclampsia, diabetes, or those who have recently ingested food may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates how quickly the stomach empties in women who are in early labor, comparing the effects of drinking water versus a carbohydrate-based sports drink. Participants are divided into two groups: those who have received epidural pain relief and those who have not. Using ultrasound, the researchers will measure the stomach's changing volume over 60 minutes after consumption. Additionally, participants will report their hunger levels at regular intervals during the study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimal hydration strategies for women in labor, potentially improving comfort and outcomes during childbirth.

How similar studies have gone: While similar studies on gastric emptying have been conducted, this specific comparison of water and sports drinks in laboring women is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Gestational age of 36 weeks or greater
* American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status 2 or 3
* Induction of labor or early labor (cervical dilation \< 6cm)
* Singleton gestation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recent food ingestion (\<3 hours)
* Preeclampsia
* Receiving magnesium sulfate
* Having received narcotics within 12 hours
* Diabetes mellitus
* Multiple gestations
* Active nausea or reflux symptoms

Where it's running

  • Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.