Assessing the Effect of Oral Versus Intravenous Fluids on Progress of Labor and Fetal Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Childbirth is a natural physiological process, yet it is a life –changing events for many women. However, the care given to women during labor has the potential to affect them both physically and emotionally, likewise, short and long term labor and delivery management are the most common medical issues facing the health caregivers. The study aimed to evaluate effects of oral versus intravenous hydrations on progress of labor and fetal outcomes. A, quasi-experimental design was utilized. Purposive samples of 112 parturient women were randomly allocated into the study and the control groups. The study was conducted at obstetric and gynecologic department, Helwan General Hospital, Egypt. Data were collected through four main tools: structured interviewing questionnaire, delivery and maternal assessment, the Partograph, and neonatal assessment record. The study findings indicated that no significant differences were found between the two groups in their demographics, the mean duration of the first stage of labor in study group was significantly shorter than the control group. However, the duration of the second stage and the third stage of labor in the study group were significantly shorter than the control group. There were statistical significant difference among the study group and control group regarding the two Apgar scores in 1^st and 5^th minutes. The study and research hypothesis concluded that administration of intravenous infusion enhances labour and reduce the first stage of labour duration, consequently, the duration of labour. The study recommended the benefit of increased intravenous hydration in labor, as well as the role of supplemental oral hydration.