Consumption of a light diet during labour did not influence obstetric or neonatal outcomes in participants, nor did it increase the incidence of vomiting. Women who are allowed to eat in labour have similar lengths of labour and operative delivery rates to those allowed water only.  STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of feeding during labour on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Birth centre in London teaching hospital.