Abstract
BackgroundInadequacy of breastfeeding was considered the only factor leading to excessive weight loss, which might lead to unnecessary initiation of formula. However, other factors might contribute and should be considered. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of fluids given antenatally to mothers on the weight of their newborn children. MethodsThis prospective observational study was done in the newborn nursery and labour room of the Al-Makassed Hospital. We included all women who had an uncomplicated pregnancy, were admitted between May 1 and Aug 31, 2015, and gave birth to a single healthy full-term baby weighing 2500–3999 g. We documented amount of intravenous fluids, weight of the newborn baby, and weight of diapers every 8 h until the mother and child were discharged from hospital. This study was approved by the ethical committee at Al-Makassed Hospital. Parental consent was taken verbally for participation. Findings375 pregnant women participated in this study, of whom 266 (71%) were multiparous and 247 (66%) had a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. 255 (68%) mothers received intravenous fluids. The administration of intravenous fluids 24 h before delivery was associated with a statistically significant but not clinically significant increase in weight loss in the newborn child at 48 h compared with those who did not receive any fluids (190 g vs 156 g; p<0·05). Other predictors of weight loss were feeding and delivery method. The use of formula in addition to breastfeeding was associated with more weight loss compared with exclusively breastfed infants (215 g [6·5%] vs 168 g [5·2%]; p=0·03). Both delivery by caesarean section and induced labour were associated with a marginally significant increase in weight loss (p<0·05) compared with spontaneous normal vaginal delivery. InterpretationWeight loss in the newborn child is a multifactorial process. Intravenous fluid infused before delivery is a contributory factor. We recommend an intravenous fluid-restrictive policy to avoid false positive weight loss. FundingNone.
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