ABSTRACT
Maternal serum sodium and glucose levels were measured in three groups of laboring women before and after labor. Cord serum samples were also analyzed for the same parameters as well as for bilirubin, and after 72 hours of labor, a neonatal serum sample was analyzed again for bilirubin. The study groups included cases who had full term vaginal delivery and who had no medical or obstetric complication The first group [group A] had neither fluid, nor oxytocin administration during labor. The second group [group B] received 5% glucose in water during labor. The third group [group C] received Oxytocin in 5% glucose infusion [1 unit in 100 ml]. All groups were comparable as regards maternal age, parity and gestational age. Newborns were comparable as regards birth weight and Apgar score, and weight of placenta. Maternal serum sodium [Na] and glucose did not show any significant correlation with cord serum values. Cord serum Na and glucose did not show significant correlation with the 72 hours neonatal serum bilirubin values. A significant increase in neonatal serum bilirubin was found in both groups B and C after 72 hours of birth. On the other hand, mean serum bilirubin [72 hours level] was higher in oxytocin group than in the control group and in the glucose only group. We concluded that the dose range used in this study [less than one litre - IV aqueous glucose solution given during labor] does not induce significant changes in either maternal or cord serum values of Na and glucose. Also oxytocin could be considered responsible of neonatal hyper bilirubinemia without inducing neonatal hyponatremia