Key facts
- Product type
- Energy gels and chews
- Main users
- Pregnant women and laboring mothers
- Example brands
- UCAN, Noogs, GU, Maurten, HUMA
- Expert support
- OB-GYN Lauren Puretz, dietitian Amy Goblirsch
- Caloric need
- About 80,000 extra calories for entire pregnancy
- Guideline
- ACOG supports moderate clear fluids, not solid food, in active labor
Background
Energy gels and chews are small, carbohydrate-packed products designed for endurance athletes to consume while in motion. They contain easily digestible carbohydrates and electrolytes like sodium, with some including caffeine and micronutrients. The goal is to provide glucose to the body after about 90 minutes of activity to prevent 'hitting the wall.'
While whole foods like raisins can be effective, many athletes prefer commercial products for convenience and to avoid digestive distress. These products are now being adopted by pregnant women and those in labor, who need extra calories and sustained energy but often face food aversions or restrictions.
Current situation
Pro runner Emma Bates, who was dropped by her sponsor UCAN after becoming pregnant, found gels useful during her first trimester. She said on the Ali on the Run Show, 'Once nausea hits, once the dizzy spells hit, you need something stat — and gels are an amazing fuel source for that.' She also noted many women use gels during labor.
Runner Paige Foote, founder of the energy brand Noogs, used her sour-candy-coded gels during her son's birth in May. After hours of pushing, she said, 'I would just pop a couple every now and then because at that point, I hadn't eaten all day. I had been on a clear liquid diet, and I knew that I needed energy.'
Dietitian Amy Goblirsch, who calls herself 'The Running Dietitian,' wishes she had brought gels to her kids' births. OB-GYN Lauren Puretz, an ultrarunner, supports the idea but advises caution, noting that gels can be a relatively safe middle ground if they avoid caffeine and bold-colored ingredients like beetroot.
| Brand | Price per gel | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| GU | $2 | Standard energy gel |
| Maurten | Nearly double GU | Popular brand, hydrogel technology |
Impacts
Pregnant and laboring women may be an overlooked market for energy gels. Childbearing requires added calories but often comes with food aversions, and childbirth requires sustained energy but often comes with food restrictions. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports 'moderate amounts' of clear fluids during active, uncomplicated labors but advises against solid food to avoid aspiration risk.
Energy gels can provide a convenient source of carbohydrates and electrolytes during labor, potentially reducing fatigue and helping women sustain energy for pushing. However, they can be pricey, with GU costing about $2 per gel and Maurten nearly double. Puretz noted they may not be more effective than hospital IV sugar water.
The trend also highlights the physical parallels between pregnancy and endurance sports. A 2021 journal article called pregnancy a '9-month stress test' for the cardiovascular system. An entire pregnancy requires about 80,000 extra calories, nearly the caloric cost of running a marathon once a week for 40 weeks.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If more women adopt energy gels during labor, hospitals and birth centers may see increased demand for these products, and more brands may market specifically to pregnant women. However, if safety concerns arise, guidelines could tighten, limiting their use.
Future research could clarify the benefits and risks of energy gels during labor compared to traditional clear fluids. If studies show clear advantages, they could become a standard recommendation for low-risk pregnancies, but if risks emerge, they may be discouraged.
The trend may also influence product development, with more stomach-friendly, caffeine-free options tailored for labor. Yet, as Puretz advises, women should always get their provider's blessing before using them, and avoid trying anything new on 'labor day.'
Source: nypost.com
