ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a quick reference guide to support women and babies during the postnatal/neonatal period. Fluid balance is maintaining the correct amount of fluid in the body through the amount of fluid intake and that which is excreted. Around 52% of the body weight is from fluid in a non-pregnant woman. During pregnancy an increase in circulating volume of up to 50% alongside retention of fluid, leading to oedema, can affect fluid balance. Recording fluid balance is usually required for women who are on a high dependency unit e.g. It is usually undertaken alongside vital observations, including blood pressure, pulse, respiration and temperature. It is usually undertaken alongside vital observations, including blood pressure, pulse, respiration and temperature. Blood tests such as urea and electrolytes, glucose, magnesium and calcium can also indicate whether there are any fluid balance problems.
