title: Controlled sodium bicarbonate infusion and maternal acid--base balance during labor.
abstract: The effects of a controlled sodium bicarbonate (S.B.) infusion on the acid-base balance of primiparas in normal labor and delivery were studied and compared to a similar control group of primiparas without S.B. infusion. Beginning at 6 cm cervical dilatation. 2mEq of S.B./kg of total body weight were infused to patients in the study until full cervical dilatation. The dosage given to this group emerged from a study of base deficit dynamics and space distribution of S.B. in a control group of patients during labor and delivery. Significant variations in pH, base excess, and plasma bicarbonate were observed, beginning 44 +/- 19 minutes after the S.B. infusion. These variations in acid-base parameters persisted for 10 minutes following delivery. While no adverse effects were observed in our patients, this experimental design represents a preliminary approach toward correcting deleterious fetal acid-base variations during labor and delivery.
mesh_terms: D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000187:drug effects*; D000138:Acidosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010313:Partial Pressure; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D001639:Bicarbonates