Review of peripheral intravenous access in the postpartum period
Abstract:
Objective: To report use characteristics and maternal perceptions related to peripheral intravenous catheters in the postpartum period, and the relationship between catheter presence and postpartum activities.
Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study.
Setting/local problem: This study was conducted in a maternal and pediatric unit of a regional hospital in Spain.
Participants: A total of 497 women who had a vaginal birth were included.
Methods: Data on the use of peripheral intravenous catheters and women’s perceptions were collected by trained nurses from medical records and an ad hoc questionnaire at the time of hospital discharge. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < .05.
Results: Most peripheral intravenous catheters (91.5%, n = 455) remained unused after childbirth. Furthermore, 71.6% of women would have preferred to have the catheter in place for a shorter time during the postpartum period, and 60.4% found the insertion site uncomfortable. Moreover, 68.2% reported that the catheter interfered with care and breastfeeding activities. Statistically significant relationships were found between comfort with the catheter and interference in self-care (χ2 [2, N = 497] = 59.107; p < .001), neonatal care (χ2 [2, N = 497] = 72.537; p < .001), and breastfeeding (χ2 [2, N = 497] = 89.084; p < .001).
Conclusion: A high percentage of peripheral intravenous catheters remain unused during the postpartum period. Furthermore, women reported that these catheters were a hindrance to maternal and neonatal care, as well as breastfeeding. Critically assessing the need to maintain or remove these catheters in the postpartum period, particularly after low-risk births, may enhance women’s perceptions during their hospital stay.
Reference:
Monasor-Ortolá D, Esteve-Ríos A, Garcia-Garcia A, Cruz-Andreu Ú, Monasor-Ortolá D, García-Sanjuán S. Maternal Perceptions and Utilization of Peripheral Intravenous Access in the Postpartum Period. Nurs Womens Health. 2025 Dec 12:S1751-4851(25)00206-5. doi: 10.1016/j.nwh.2025.08.003. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41397461.