Topic overview
In brief
- Expectant mothers are increasingly using energy gels designed for athletes to maintain energy during pregnancy and labor.
- Women like Lauren Puretz and Amy Goblirsch have shared their positive experiences with energy gels during childbirth.
- This trend highlights the potential benefits of sports nutrition products for pregnant women, though consultation with healthcare providers is recommended.
Summary
In recent months, a trend has emerged among expectant mothers in the United States, where they are turning to energy gels and chews typically designed for endurance athletes to help sustain their energy during pregnancy and labor. This shift is particularly notable among women who experience food aversions during pregnancy, making it difficult to consume adequate calories. Lauren Puretz, an OB-GYN and ultrarunner from Colorado Springs, Colorado, shared her experience of using her own sour-candy-coded energy brand, Noogs, during labor. She found that these gels provided the necessary energy boost when she was on a clear liquid diet and needed fuel for the demanding process of childbirth.
The use of energy gels is not limited to Puretz; other women, including Amy Goblirsch, a dietitian and distance runner, have expressed regret for not having utilized such products during their own childbirth experiences. Goblirsch emphasized the importance of maintaining energy levels during labor, comparing it to the physical demands of running a marathon. She noted that labor can be a prolonged event, and having the right nutrition can make a significant difference in a woman's ability to push effectively.