Natural food is the best choice to meet the body's nutritional needs. However, there are cases that require the use of intravenous nutrition, which provides the necessary nutrients to the body without the need to eat. Some pregnant women may need intravenous nutrition, so through the Dalili Medical website, you will learn what is the appropriate type of nutrients for pregnant women, what are the reasons that push them to do so, and what are the potential risks?

What is intravenous nutrition?

 

Peripheral intravenous nutrition or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a way to provide the body with the necessary nutrients through the veins. Peripheral intravenous nutrition is performed through an intravenous catheter inserted into a vein in the arm, while total parenteral nutrition is performed by inserting a catheter into one of the large veins connected to the heart. This nutrition consists of an aqueous, sugary or mixed solution, according to the needs of the pregnant woman, as vitamins are added to this solution. If a person is unable to eat completely, they are provided with nutrients through the installation of a nasogastric tube, which transports nutrients to the cells through the veins, where a variety of nutrients that the body needs are pumped.

What happens during an IV therapy session?

 

After assessing your health condition and discussing your needs, our specialist will recommend the most appropriate IV therapy for you. An IV therapy session takes between 45 and 60 minutes, where you can sit and relax while the nutrient solution is transferred directly into your blood through a vein.

Does IV therapy increase the amount of amniotic fluid?

 

Yes, by giving fluids orally or intravenously, the mother’s body can be hydrated and the amount of amniotic fluid can be increased, and this method is effective in cases of mild low amniotic fluid.

What is the appropriate IV therapy for pregnant women?

 

Ringer’s lactate solution is a balanced solution consisting of water and some salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and lactate, and does not contain glucose. This solution is used to replace fluid loss and neutralize blood acidity in people who suffer from fluid retention. However, it is contraindicated for people with kidney failure, heart failure or liver cirrhosis.

How long does IV therapy take to enter the body?

 

After eating, it takes about six to eight hours for food to travel through the stomach and small intestine. After that, the food enters the large intestine (colon) for further digestion, water absorption, and finally elimination of undigested food residue. It takes about 36 hours for food to completely pass through the colon.

**How ​​long does an IV stay in?**

 

An IV can stay in place for 3 to 4 days. Patients who need chemotherapy or procedures that require long-term access to veins often get central venous infusion devices, which are designed to stay in the body longer. However, patients with these devices may need IVs to receive certain fluids.

**Is it harmful to use a IV too often?**

 

There are some potential side effects of using a IV needle, including: pain, heat, skin discoloration, and the appearance of prominent superficial veins at the injection site. Swelling of the fingers, feet, and hands can also occur, in addition to pale skin at the injection site.

**Can I drink water while using the IV?**

 

If the patient is able to drink, the IV is not necessary and is usually not insisted upon.

**How ​​long does the IV work?**

 

The drug takes effect within 15 minutes, depending on the type of anesthetic used

**Can the IV replace food?**

 

Intravenous solutions are used only in specific cases, based on the doctor's diagnosis. The solution cannot be given to a hungry person who has not eaten, as the solution cannot replace food.

**What are the calories in the IV?**

 

Intravenous solutions have a nutritional value of 400 calories per liter. There is also a ready-to-use solution containing 10% glucose and 0.18% sodium chloride, which is used to treat newborns who need intravenous solutions.

**Does the IV raise blood sugar levels?**

 

The sugar solution is a type of intravenous treatment. Some side effects may occur when giving a sugar solution intravenously, such as irritation of the vein through which the solution is given, high blood sugar levels, and fluid retention. Excessive use may also lead to hyponatremia and problems with electrolyte balance.

Incorrect types of intravenous injections**

The following are the types of incorrect intravenous injections:

1. Incorrect intravenous injection rate This occurs when the drug is given intravenously at a rate 15% or more faster than recommended in the medication guide. This is considered one of the most prominent problems related to giving intravenous medications.

2. Incorrect medication volume This refers to using a different volume of solvent or diluent to prepare the drug for intravenous injection than the volume recommended in the medication guide.

3. Incorrect mixture This refers to using an inappropriate solvent, diluent, or additive, or one that is not compatible with the medication guidelines for intravenous injection.

4. Drug incompatibility This occurs when a drug is given with another drug or solution through the same IV bag without documenting compatibility between these drugs when given together, such as giving furosemide and cefotaxime at the same time.

5. Incorrect IV practices There are some other practices that may lead to IV errors, including:

6. Incorrect mixing This refers to the use of an inappropriate solvent, diluent, or additive, or one that is not compatible with the drug instructions for IV injection.

7. Drug incompatibilityThis occurs when a drug is given with another drug or different solution through the same IV bag without documenting the compatibility of these drugs when given together, such as giving Furosemide with Cefotaxime at the same time.

### Reasons for using intravenous nutrition for pregnant women

There are several reasons that may make a pregnant woman unable to eat, which necessitates the need for nutrients to ensure the continuation of pregnancy and the health of the mother and fetus. Some women may need this nutrition for a short period or until the end of pregnancy. Among these cases:

. **Inability to absorb nutrients**: One of the reasons that pushes a pregnant woman to rely on intravenous nutrition is the inability of the intestine to absorb nutrients sufficiently. This may be due to a blockage in the small intestine, or severe malabsorption, or Crohn's disease, in addition to other reasons that affect the ability of the intestine to perform its function normally.

. **Exposure to persistent vomiting**: Some pregnant women suffer from severe vomiting, where doctors prescribe anti-vomiting medications, whether orally or by injection. But in some cases, vomiting continues continuously, preventing the woman from eating any type of food. In this case, doctors resort to intravenous feeding to ensure that the necessary nutrients reach the fetus until the mother regains her health and ability to eat.

**Severe diarrhea:** Some pregnant women may suffer from severe diarrhea, which may be a sign of a certain disorder. When the woman feels dehydrated and unable to compensate for the lost fluids, doctors resort to compensating for this deficiency intravenously, in order to maintain the health of the mother and fetus.

**Exposure of the pregnant woman to an accident:** A pregnant woman also needs intravenous feeding in the event of a sudden accident, such as burns, infection, or any other type of accident that prevents her from eating. If the fetus is still alive, it needs double nutrition and special protection, because it is highly susceptible to miscarriage.

**Cancer:** In some cases, a malignant tumor may be discovered in a woman after pregnancy, which may lead to her miscarriage as a result of the consequences of this tumor. Women may experience many side effects and may need chemotherapy, which requires high intravenous nutrition, as they may be unable to eat. These cases often lead to miscarriage and loss of the fetus, either due to the side effects of treatment or to preserve the mother's life and enable her to receive full treatment.

What are the appropriate intravenous solutions for pregnant women?

 

Intravenous nutrition is either a saline or sugar solution containing vitamins that the body naturally absorbs daily, or a nasogastric tube containing the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the organs. In both cases, these options are considered safe and do not pose any risk to the mother and fetus. These nutrients include the following:

**Proteins:** Proteins are added to the nutritional solution because they provide energy for the body, in addition to their essential role in building muscles and repairing damaged tissues. The fetus needs proteins in particular for the growth of its organs and the continuation of pregnancy.

**Fats:** The nutritional solution may also contain fats that contribute to the performance of cell functions and the protection of organs. Fats also play an important role in storing fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, K, E, and D.

**Electrolytes:** The body's cells need electrolytes to perform their functions properly, as they play a fundamental role in regulating the heart and improving nerve function. They are also essential for bone and muscle health, and the most prominent of these electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chlorine, phosphorus, and others.

**Starches:** Starches are considered one of the main sources of calories that give the body the energy needed for movement. They are also added to the diet because they provide glucose for pregnant women, which helps avoid sudden drops in blood sugar due to malnutrition.

**Vitamins and minerals:** Pregnant women need larger amounts of vitamins and minerals than at other times. If they are unable to eat enough, vitamins and minerals are added as essential elements in the nutritional serum, as they contribute to supporting pregnancy by maintaining the stability of the body's cell functions and helping the fetus's organs mature, in addition to other important benefits.

**The harms of intravenous nutrition solutions for pregnant women**

 

Although intravenous nutrition is considered in many cases a means of saving the life of the mother and her fetus, there are some negative side effects that may result from its use for long periods in rare cases, including:

**Exposure to infection and sepsis:** One of the potential risks associated with intravenous nutrition, especially in the event of insufficient sterilization or incorrect installation of the solution, is the risk of infection and bacterial infection. This risk increases if intravenous nutrition is used throughout pregnancy, which may lead to the spread of bacteria in the bloodstream. The resulting symptoms include irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and increased breathing rate, which requires urgent treatment to preserve the life of the fetus.

**Blood sugar disorder:** Intravenous nutrition can lead to disturbances in blood sugar levels, as it affects the function of insulin and glucagon, which are the two main hormones responsible for regulating sugar levels. This disorder may lead to what is known as fatty liver.

**Muscle tremors:** Muscle tremors are a common side effect of IV nutrition, and are caused by an imbalance between the nutrients being added and the body’s needs. This is normal, but can lead to muscle cramps. Under normal circumstances, the body absorbs the electrolytes and nutrients it needs and gets rid of the excess, but during IV nutrition,It causes a disturbance in the functions of the body's cells in general.

**Stomach pain:** When using nasogastric nutrition, a woman may suffer from stomach pain, in addition to increased nausea and vomiting, and the frequency of urination may also increase.

**Swelling of the extremities:** An inappropriate increase in fluids in the body can lead to swelling of the extremities in pregnant women, and edema may appear as a result of fluid retention and difficulty getting rid of it.

**Complications of incorrect intravenous injection**

 

Incorrect intravenous injection can cause a range of potential complications, including:

. **Effusion**Effusion occurs when the medication leaks from the vein into the surrounding soft tissues, as a result of the needle or catheter being placed incorrectly outside the cavity of the vein. This can lead to damage to tissues and veins.

. **Infection** If the injection site is not sterile, or if the catheter carries bacteria, an infection may occur. If it is not handled properly, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause serious health problems.

. **Air embolism**Air embolism occurs when a large amount of air bubbles enter a patient's vein through an IV. Although rare, it can lead to serious problems such as a heart attack or stroke.

. Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis are common conditions that can result from improper use of an IV catheter. In addition, the leakage can lead to inflammation of the vein, and it can also have an irritating effect on the skin.