The New Indian Journal of OBGYN. 11(2):264-267

A prospective randomized trial to find out the effect of 5% dextrose solution with or without normal saline on progress of labour

Atal Bihari Dandapat, Santosh Kumar Dora, Ankita Rout

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Labor is period beginning with uterine contractions and ending in the expulsion of the placenta. To be effectively carried out this energy is required. So, we have compared the effect of addition of 5% dextrose solution with and without normal saline on the course of labour in nulliparous pregnant women. Material and methods: Two hundred fifty pregnant nulliparous women fulfilling the study criteria were randomized. One group received only normal saline and other group received 5% dextrose alternating with normal saline. In both groups course of labour was studied. Results: When both the groups were compared for total duration of labour, we have found that in group 1(receiving only normal saline) the mean duration of labour was 443.66±140.2 minutes and in group 2(receiving dextrose with normal saline) the mean duration of labour was 423.13±125.2 minutes (p= 0.02). Rest of the parameters like total oxytocin use, percentage of vaginal delivery, maternal and fetal complications were similar. Conclusion: In summary the results of the present study shows that 5% dextrose addition to normal saline for intra-partum intravenous hydration of spontaneously labouring nulliparous women has benefits over normal saline alone as seen in its effect on reducing the duration of labour without any adverse effect on the mother or the neonate.