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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Intrapartum hydration assessment and management: A cross-sectional survey of Australian and New Zealand maternity units
Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, Vol.38(1), pp.1-7
13/01/2025
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Background: Hydration assessment and management during labour play an important role in maternal and newborn outcomes. Studies indicate that clinical practice is inconsistent, with limited consensus evident in clinical guidelines. Current practices in fluid management across public and private maternity units within Australia and New Zealand remain unknown. Respondents highlighted the importance of maternal hydration assessment and management to well-being. However, inconsistencies were noted in the documentation, medication use and adherence to clinical protocols.
Aim: Our study aimed to investigate unit-level clinical practice regarding intrapartum hydration assessment and management across Australian and New Zealand private and public hospitals. The scope of this study focuses on fluid management during both spontaneous and induced labour. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive survey to assess the fluid management practices of Australian and New Zealand maternity services.
Results: Of the 307 eligible maternity units, 89 participated (responding key informants included midwives, obstetricians, managers, and educators). All acknowledged the importance of maternal intrapartum hydration assessment and management. However, variations existed in assessment methods, with urine colour (87.6%, n=78) and frequency (84.3%, n=75), as well as maternal and fetal vital sign assessments (83.1%, n=74) being most prevalent. Documentation format and tools varied, and midwives identified this as their role. Despite the significance attributed to hydration by clinicians, not all felt confident in their capabilities to assess or manage intrapartum hydration. Free-text responses emphasised the significance of this topic from an educational perspective.
Conclusion: Respondents highlighted the significance of maternal intrapartum hydration assessment and maternal and newborn well-being management. However, inconsistent documentation, medication usage, including intravenous fluids, and clinical protocols were evident.
Details
- Title
- Intrapartum hydration assessment and management: A cross-sectional survey of Australian and New Zealand maternity units
- Creators
- Brianne G. McIntyre - Edith Cowan UniversityDeborah Massey - Edith Cowan UniversityNigel Lee - University of QueenslandLauren Kearney - University of Queensland
- Publication Details
- Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, Vol.38(1), pp.1-7
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd; AMSTERDAM
- Grant note
- This study was conducted with the support of a Summer Scholarship awarded through the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University.
- Identifiers
- 991013250841502368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Authors
- Academic Unit
- Nursing; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article