By: Emma Carter
I’m not typically prone to vomiting. Even when my family is hit with a stomach bug, I manage to dodge the projectile fate—nausea, fever, and chills, yes, but not usually the act of throwing up. So, I was utterly taken aback when I found myself heaving during both of my labors.
This surprise came during the transition phase—the intense period between active labor and the pushing stage. This is the time when, especially if you’re going through labor without medication, you might feel like you’re facing the brink of death. Having experienced unmedicated births, I felt every intense moment of transition. As my baby moved into position and my body prepared for delivery, it felt like I was being turned inside out. And then, just like that, I was throwing up.
In the earlier stages of labor, I had already experienced some gastrointestinal distress—something that’s quite common. But apparently, that wasn’t enough to prepare me for the additional surprise of vomiting! Thankfully, during my first labor, my wonderful doulas seemed to sense my impending upchuck and promptly provided a barf bucket. The second time, I was laboring on the toilet, so it was a bit easier to manage. But each occurrence left me stunned—on top of preparing to bring a new life into the world, I also had to contend with vomiting? What a bonus!
While I thought my experience was somewhat unique, it turns out that vomiting during labor is actually quite common. Both the American Pregnancy Association (APA) and The Royal Women’s Hospital in Australia confirm that symptoms like nausea, shaking, chills, and hot flashes are typical, particularly during the transition phase. Dr. William H. Barth, chair of ACOG’s Committee on Obstetric Practice, stated in a Reuters article that “nausea and vomiting during labor is quite common,” and most women generally don’t feel like eating or drinking during this time.
Interestingly, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommended in 2015 that women in labor be allowed to eat and drink as they wish—so much for just ice chips! Moreover, Dr. David Birnbach, a spokesperson for the ASA, explained that while epidurals can sometimes lead to nausea due to drops in blood pressure, vomiting can happen whether or not an epidural is used, as pain and slowed digestion during labor can contribute to the feeling.
When I asked friends about their experiences, more than half shared that they too had vomited during labor. Most reported it happening during transition, while a few experienced it in early labor or even afterward. One friend described her experience of projectile vomiting during her first labor in vivid detail, claiming it was the hardest she’d ever thrown up. Luckily, she avoided it during her subsequent labor.
Some of the moms I polled speculated that, despite the discomfort of vomiting, there might be a biological reason behind it. I agree; I felt as if my body was clearing everything out to make way for my baby’s arrival. Although I have no scientific proof, it certainly seemed that after I vomited, I felt the baby descend and began to feel that urge to push.
Regardless of the reasons, it’s clear that vomiting is just another aspect of labor. For most of us, it may not be the most uncomfortable part, but it’s certainly not pleasant either. The good news is that once we finally meet our little ones, even the most challenging and messy moments of labor tend to fade from memory. Before you know it, you’re back to dealing with their spit-up—such is the cycle of motherhood!
For more insights, check out this informative resource on pregnancy from the CDC. And if you’re interested in the journey of home insemination, you can also explore this detailed guide on artificial insemination kits.
In summary, while the experience of vomiting during labor may catch you off guard, it’s a common occurrence. Understanding this can help ease some of the anxiety around the unknowns of labor.