Photo Credit: Getty Images
| Procedure | Policy of NPO |
| What Is It? | Mother is allowed nothing by mouth |
| Who Needs It? | Women who are very ill (a specific medical indication) |
| Who Doesn't Need It | Pregnant women who are not ill |
| Risks | 1. Lack of energy to do the work of labor 2. Dehydration 3. Poor fetal heart rate tracing due to maternal dehydration |
| Benefit | If general anesthesia is required, reduces the risk of aspiration |

