RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Impact of Prepartum Intravenous Fluid Intake on Newborn Weight Loss in the First Days of Life

This study explored whether the amount of fluid a mother received into her vein (IV fluid) before giving birth might affect her formula-fed baby's weight loss in the first two days of life. Babies often lose some weight initially, and doctors wanted to see if the mother's fluid intake during labour played a role. The study looked back at medical records from Amiens University Hospital to gather information on mothers aged 18 or over who had full-term babies and chose to formula-feed. The researchers believe there might be a connection, and finding out more could help doctors and parents in understanding and managing newborn weight changes better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2025

Vascular Filling Newborn Weight Loss Jaundice Respiratory Distress

What is this study about?

When a baby is born, it's very common for them to lose a little bit of weight in their first few days. This is usually normal as they adjust to life outside the womb and start feeding. Doctors and nurses keep a close eye on this to make sure babies are feeding well and gaining weight back as expected. This study focused on babies who were fed with infant formula rather than breast milk, as formula feeding can have different effects on early weight changes.

The researchers wanted to see if there was a link between the amount of fluid a mother received through a drip (intravenous or IV fluid) during labour and how much weight her newborn baby lost in those first two days. Sometimes, mothers need IV fluids for various reasons before or during birth. The study looked back at existing medical records to collect information from mothers and their babies. They hoped to find out if mothers who received more IV fluids tended to have babies who lost more or less weight initially.

Understanding this possible connection is important because it could help doctors and parents make more informed decisions about care. If there is a link, it might help medical teams adapt how they give fluids during labour or how they support new parents with their baby's feeding and weight, making sure babies get the best start possible.

Key takeaways

The study explored how mother's IV fluids during labour might affect formula-fed baby weight loss.
It reviewed existing medical records, so no new patient involvement was required.
Only full-term babies (born after 37 weeks) and mothers over 18 were included.
The study focused specifically on babies fed exclusively with infant formula.
Findings could help improve understanding and care for newborns in their first days.
There were no direct risks to individuals as it used anonymised past data.

Who may be eligible?

This study looked at existing information from medical records, so you wouldn't directly "participate" by receiving a new treatment or intervention. However, records were included if the mother met certain conditions. For example, the mother had to be at least 18 years old and have had a full-term baby, meaning the baby was born after 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Also, the baby needed to be a single baby (no twins or triplets) and fed only infant formula while in the hospital for the first two days. If the mother had received specific types of fluids just before delivery due to a serious health issue, or if the baby had certain kidney problems or a cleft lip/palate, their records were not included.

Finally, the study only used records where the mother understood French and agreed for her information to be used for research. Incomplete or unclear medical records were also not included in the study analysis.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Was your baby born full-term (after 37 weeks of pregnancy)?
Was your baby a single birth (not twins or triplets)?
Were you 18 years old or older at the time of delivery?
Was your baby exclusively formula-fed in the hospital for the first two days?
Were your medical records complete and clear for research use?
Did you consent to your medical data being used for research (if asked at the time)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This was an 'observational, retrospective' study. This means that researchers looked back at existing medical records from patients who had already given birth and been discharged from the hospital. You would not have been asked to do anything new or different, take any medication, attend extra appointments, or have any follow-up visits specifically for this study. Your medical records would simply have been reviewed by the research team if you met the specific criteria. The total duration of data collection from records would depend on the researchers' timeline, but it did not involve any active participation from individuals.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study looked at existing medical records, there were no direct risks to individuals who were part of the data. The anonymity and privacy of the medical information were protected during the study. The potential benefit of this type of research is to help improve our understanding of newborn health and care, which could lead to better guidelines for managing fluid intake during labour and supporting babies' early development. As it was a retrospective study, individuals did not have the option to withdraw their data after it was included.

Locations (1)

CHU Amiens Picardie
Verified postcode
Amiens, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'pre-partum intravenous fluid intake'?

This refers to fluids given through a drip into a vein before a mother gives birth. It's often used during labour for hydration or to give medicines.

Why is newborn weight loss important?

It's normal for babies to lose a little weight after birth. However, doctors monitor it closely to make sure babies are feeding well and getting enough nutrition.

What does 'full-term delivery' mean?

A full-term delivery means the baby was born after 37 weeks of pregnancy and before 42 weeks, which is considered the ideal time for birth.

What is an 'observational, retrospective study'?

This kind of study looks back at information that has already been collected, like existing medical records. Researchers observe patterns without introducing new treatments.

Does this study apply to breastfed babies?

No, this study specifically focused on babies who were fed only infant formula while in the hospital for their first two days.

How to find out more

Pierre Tourneux, Pr

tourneux.pierre@chu-amiens.fr 33+3 22 08 76 04 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.