Objective To construct an evidence based oral intake management protocol for the laboring women, and to evaluate its clinical application effects. Methods A quasi experimental research design was employed. A total of 344 women undergoing vaginal delivery were divided into two groups chronologically. The control group (n=172) received routine dietary management, while the observation group (n=172) received dietary management according to the "Evidence based Management Protocol for Oral Intake during Labor" developed by the research team. Comparisons were made between the two groups in terms of energy supply during labor, satisfaction with diet intake, delivery outcomes, as well as healthcare professionals′ knowledge of oral intake during labor and their adherence to the audit indicators. ResultsThere were no incidents of aspiration in either group. The incidence of ketonuria during the second stage of labor, as well as hunger, thirst, and fatigue scores during labor, were significantly lower in the observation group compared with the control group, while the satisfaction score with diet intake was significantly higher in the observation group (all P<0.05). The rates of successful vaginal delivery, duration of labor, and incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia did not differ significantly between the two groups (all P>0.05). After the implementation of the management protocol, healthcare professionals′ knowledge of oral intake during labor and adherence to the audit indicators significantly improved (all P<0.05). ConclusionThe application of the evidence based oral intake management protocol for laboring women can improve healthcare professionals′ knowledge and compliance, thus to enhance energy supply for women during labor and improve midwifery quality.