The Impact of Intravenous Protocols During Labor on Maternal \ Newborn Outcomes

Background: Intravenous therapy instead of oral hydration is common practice in labor.Adequate rehydration has shown a reduction in labor duration.However results of other trials proposed that labor duration could be decreased by administering IV fluids at a rate of 250ml/hr which is better than giving such fluids in a rate of 125ml/hr.Aim: Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess the effect of three protocols of intravenous fluids on the progress of labor and newborn weight loss during the first week post partum.Design: A descriptive Correlation research design was adopted.In this study in order to investigate the research hypothesis. Sample:A convenient sample of 150 laboring women (divided to 50 each group) was selected.Partograph, fluid chart and baby weight and diaper sheet was used to collect the data. Setting:The study was conducted at the labor room in two Egyptian governmental hospitals. Results:The current research study revealed that the mean time during active phase calculated by hours of the group receiving I.V fluids of 1500cc (4.02 ± 0.99) was less than those who received only1000cc and 1250cc (6.82 ± 1.00 and 5.34 ± 0.52, respectively).There was a statistically significant difference between time during active phase and amount of fluid received through labor (p ≤ 0.05).Also, the newborn weight loss was reported at third and seven day after delivery, and the results revealed a significant difference to their weight loss when the mothers received 1250 ml, compared to those who received 1000 or 1500 ml.Conclusion: A significant difference between time during active phase and amount of fluid received through labor, and marked newborn weight loss at 3rd and 7th day after delivery also existed.