Could a sports gel power women through labor?

NCT ID NCT07742748

First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 05, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This pilot trial tests whether giving low-risk pregnant women a carbohydrate-rich sports gel during labor with epidural analgesia can improve outcomes compared to a low-sugar drink. The gel provides energy with low stomach volume, and is given every three hours after epidural placement until delivery. Researchers will measure labor duration, blood sugar levels, vomiting, bleeding, and maternal satisfaction. The goal is to gather preliminary data to inform a larger study.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
High carbohydrate sports gel
What this could lead to
If effective, this approach could shorten labor and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, offering a simple dietary supplement to support women during childbirth.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study, so results may not be definitive. The gel could cause nausea or vomiting, and benefits may not be confirmed in larger trials.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • HUTVC

    RECRUITING

    Tortosa, Tarragona, 43500, Spain

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.