happening are less than being struck by lightning (seven events in 10 million births) as reported by Dekker [9]. Also, reducing hypotension in the mother following epidurals and intrathecal anaesthesia for caesarian sections is one of the major causes for providing intravenous fluids to keep women adequately hydrated during labour [13]. Routine administration of intravenous fluids to keep women adequately hydrated during labour may reduce the period of contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscle, and may ultimately reduce the duration of the labour. It has also been suggested that intravenous fluids may reduce Caesarean Sections (CS) for prolonged labour [8]. Finally, in 2012, Kavitha et al. randomized 293 moms into one of three groups: oral fluids (plain water and coconut water), IV fluids at 125 ml/hr, or IV fluids at 250 ml/hr [15]. The women in the IV fluid groups were also allowed to have oral fluids. There were no differences between groups regarding length of labor (first stage, second stage, or total length), oxytocin augmentation, or any other complications. There were no differences in complication rates, and no cases of pulmonary edema (However, again, other signs and symptoms of fluid volume overload were not measured).Intravenous therapy instead of oral hydration is common practice in labor, historically, practitioner administered high dose of glucose solution to combat the development of ketones, more commonly now are isotonic or low dose glucose as high dose and rapid infusion of glucose solution are associated with increased incidence of maternal and fetal hyperglycemia and fetal acidemia. Also, dextrose only solution caused a fall in serum osmolarity and sodium concentration [1]. Regardless of solution type, intravenous therapy predispose women to immobilization, stress, increased risk of fluid overload and does not ensure a nutrient and fluid balance for the demand of labor [24]. A study was conducted by Dawood, Dowswell and Quenby to assess the impact of administering frequent IV fluids to nulliparous women on lowering the labor duration with a random selection of cases [8]. The most important findings of this study revealed a marked reduction in labor duration among women who delivered vaginally and through C.S after administering Ringer's lactate solution. Moreover, this study showed that higher infusion of IV fluids is associated with reduced labor duration. Additionally, women who received dextrose solution showed reduction in labor duration. However results of other trials proposed that
AbstractBackground: 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.
Research says that having support from a doula or other labor support specialist who is present solely to provide continuous support has the most benefits to alleviate the labor pain. Others who may be important sources of support either partner, clinical caregivers and friends or family members [8]. Continuous support in labour is associated with shorter labor and reduced requirement for analgesia. Although, trained labor support specialist or doula and other common names include labor companion, labor support professional, labor support specialist, labor assistant and birth assistant. This type of labor support specialist offers the greatest benefits for your health and safety during labor and birth [11]. As well, spouse or partner can also act, while many partners are worried about accompanying a
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