A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial Comparing Parenteral Dextrose 5%, Ringer’s Solution and Oral Intake on the Delivery Outcomes in Nulliparas

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, the prevalence of C-section and unnecessary labor
induction associated with adverse complications for the mother and baby is rising. This rate is higher in Iran, where many C-sections
can be prevented by the proper management of labor and its duration. The present study was conducted to compare the effects of
Ringer’s solution, dextrose solution 5% and oral intake on the delivery outcomes.
Materials and Methods: The present randomized clinical trial was conducted on 201 nulliparous women in labor assigned to 3
groups using a randomized block design, each receiving either Ringer’s solution plus oral fluids, dextrose solution 5% solution
plus oral fluids or oral fluids alone. The solutions were intravenously administered at a rate of 125 mL/h in the groups receiving
the solutions and the subjects in the oral fluids group could consume liquids of their choice (water, orange juice and apple juice).
Delivery outcomes, including maternal outcomes (type of delivery, use of oxytocin and prolonged labor) and neonatal outcome
(Apgar score) were recorded by the researcher. Data were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the chi-square
test and Fisher exact test.
Results: A significant difference was observed between the 3 groups in terms of administration of oxytocin (P < 0.001), cesarean
section (P = 0.003), prolonged labor (P = 0.001) and the first minute Apgar (P = 0.003). However, no significant difference was
observed in terms of the fifth minute Apgar score (P = 0.770).
Conclusion: The results suggest that the consumption of dextrose solution by nulliparous women reduces the C-section rate, the
need for oxytocin administration, the frequency of prolonged labor and improve neonatal outcome compared to when Ringer’s
solution and oral fluids are used