Why pregnant women need to receive sodium chloride infusion

Sodium chloride infusion for pregnant women is mainly used to supplement body fluids, maintain electrolyte balance, or as a drug diluent. The application of sodium chloride injection during pregnancy mainly has three core functions: correcting dehydration, diluting intravenous medication, and preventing hyponatremia.

1. Correct dehydration

Pregnancy may result in significant fluid loss due to morning sickness, diarrhea, or fever. Sodium chloride injection can quickly replenish blood volume and improve circulatory function. For patients with severe vomiting during pregnancy, intravenous infusion can alleviate metabolic alkalosis caused by frequent vomiting. During the infusion process, it is necessary to monitor changes in urine volume and blood pressure to avoid exacerbating the burden on the heart.

2. Diluted intravenous medication

Some essential drugs during pregnancy, such as magnesium sulfate and antibiotics, need to be prepared with sodium chloride solution. 0.9% sodium chloride as an isotonic solution can ensure drug stability and bioavailability. Strictly follow the contraindications of drug compatibility when using, for example, cephalosporin antibiotics should not be mixed with calcium containing solutions for infusion.

3. Prevention of Hyponatremia

Dilution hyponatremia may occur in patients with preeclampsia. Moderate supplementation of sodium chloride can maintain plasma osmotic pressure and prevent brain edema. For patients with pregnancy induced hypertension on salt restricted diet, the infusion volume should be adjusted under the guidance of the doctor to avoid sodium retention aggravating edema.

4. Support special treatment

Sodium chloride is commonly used to flush the abdominal cavity during cesarean section, and continuous infusion after surgery can promote circulatory stability. For pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes, sodium chloride can assist in preventing intrauterine infections. When there is oligohydramnios, injecting sodium chloride into the amniotic cavity can improve the intrauterine environment of the fetus.

5. Emergency Management

During obstetric hemorrhagic shock, sodium chloride is one of the first expansion fluids. Cooperating with blood transfusion therapy can quickly restore effective circulating blood volume. When sudden hypotension or abnormal fetal heart rate occurs, sodium chloride infusion can buy time for subsequent treatment. Pregnant women should strictly follow the indications for using sodium chloride. Ordinary pregnant women do not need routine infusions, as excessive amounts may cause edema or hypertension. Pregnant women with heart disease and renal insufficiency need to control the infusion rate. Daily intake of sodium should be moderate through a balanced diet, with priority given to natural seafood, dairy products, and other sodium containing foods. When experiencing persistent symptoms of electrolyte imbalance such as fatigue and headache, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to assess the need for intravenous fluid replacement therapy.