Calorie Expenditure During Labor: Essential Considerations For Maternal Health And Labor Outcomes
During labor, women expend significant calories due to increased metabolic rate, muscle contractions, and energy demands from glucose and fat stores. Calorie expenditure varies based on labor duration, intensity, and stage, and can reach up to 500-1000 calories over several hours. Adequate hydration is crucial to maintain electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration. Recovery from labor …