Role of Increased Hydration in Women in Labor with Unrestricted Oral Intake of Fluids - A Randomised Study

Increased intravenous hydration reduces the labor duration and oxytocin augmentation when oral fluid is restricted. The objective of this study is to compare duration of labor, need for oxytocin augmentation and the mode of delivery in women with unrestricted intake of oral fluids. Methodology: On randomization, out of 60 women, 30 will be allowed to take unrestricted oral fluids and the remaining 30 were encouraged to take more fluids along with IV fluids. Results: There was no difference in the labor duration (147.40 vs 138.33 min) ,the need for oxytocin augmentation(90% vs 93%), the normal delivery rate(93.3% vs 93.3%) ,operative delivery rate(6.7% vs 6.7%) between the two groups. Conclusion: Increased intravenous hydration does not decrease the labor duration when oral fluid is unrestricted.