Oral carbohydrates (>44 kcal/hour) during labor to lower instrumental vaginal delivery in first-time mothers
Official title: Effect of Oral Carbohydrate Intake > 44kCal Per Hour During Labour on the Rate of Instrumental Vaginal Delivery
Run by University Hospital, Caen · NCT05080309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether eating more than 44 kcal per hour during labor lowers the chance that first-time mothers need an instrumental vaginal delivery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Caen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Caen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2022 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 3, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05080309 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are first-time (nulliparous) women at or beyond 37 weeks with a singleton, uncomplicated pregnancy who plan a vaginal birth and have no medical contraindications to oral intake.
✕Probably not a fit
Women with scheduled cesarean or induction, preterm labor, BMI over 40, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, or contraindications to pushing or oral intake are unlikely to be eligible or receive benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional trial compares high-calorie oral carbohydrate intake (>44 kcal/hour) during labor with a control of free water only in nulliparous women with uncomplicated, term singleton pregnancies. Participants are enrolled at Caen University Hospital and receive either carbohydrate drinks during labor or only free water, with labor outcomes recorded. The main outcome is the rate of instrumental vaginal delivery (forceps or vacuum); common exclusions include scheduled cesarean or induction, diabetes, BMI >40, and cervical dilation >8 cm at enrollment. Previous small studies suggested a trend toward fewer instrumental deliveries with increased carbohydrate intake, but this trial aims to provide clearer evidence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce the need for forceps or vacuum deliveries and lower associated maternal and newborn complications.
How similar studies have gone: Small prior studies, including one by the same group, showed a non-significant trend toward fewer instrumental deliveries with higher carbohydrate intake, so the approach is plausible but not yet proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * nulliparous women * singleton pregnancy * social insurance * uncomplicated pregnancy * no contraindication to vaginal delivery Exclusion Criteria: * scheduled caesarean section * labor \< 37 weeks of gestational age * cervical dilation \> 8cm at inclusion * scheduled induced delivery * contraindication to pushing effort during labor and delivery * BMI \> 40 kg/m2 * medical history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease
Where it's running
-
Caen University Hospital
Caen, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: jean-luc hanouz
- Email: hanouz-jl@chu-caen.fr
- Phone: 33 2 31 06 47 36
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.