Maternal Fluids and Newborn Weight Loss
Author Information
Author(s): Noel-Weiss Joy, Woodend A Kirsten, Peterson Wendy E, Gibb William, Groll Dianne L
Primary Institution: University of Ottawa
Hypothesis
There is a positive relationship between maternal intravenous (IV) fluids received during parturition and newborn weight loss during the first 72 hours post-birth.
Conclusion
Maternal IV fluids are correlated with neonatal output and newborn weight loss, suggesting that weight loss may be a correction of fluid balance rather than solely due to feeding issues.
Supporting Evidence
- Newborns lost an average of 6.57% of their weight at 60 hours postpartum.
- Maternal IV fluids in the last two hours before birth were significantly correlated with neonatal output.
- Weight loss patterns were used as a basis for clinical decisions about infant feeding.
Takeaway
When mothers get extra fluids during labor, their babies might lose more weight after birth, but this weight loss is just the babies getting rid of extra fluid.
Methodology
This was an observational cohort study where data on maternal fluids and newborn weight loss were collected from 109 participants over the first 14 days postpartum.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to convenience sampling and reliance on self-reported data from parents.
Limitations
Data collection issues included missed outputs and the inability to separate voids from stools.
Participant Demographics
{"maternal_age":"32 +/- 4.3 (22-45)","committed_relationship":"100%","completed_post_secondary_education":"88%","family_income_above_70K":"83%","never_smoked":"86%","primiparous":"42%","newborn_sex":{"female":"51%","male":"49%"}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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