Maternal water intoxication as a cause of neonatal seizures

Abstract

A term infant was admitted at 6 h of age with seizures related to hyponatraemia. During the last hours of labour the infant's mother had drunk 3 L of water. After delivery the serum sodium was 121 mmol/L in the mother and 126 mmol/L in the infant. Both resolved spontaneously. We discuss this case and the impact of maternal fluid intake during labour on the fetus and neonate. Women should be advised that excessive oral fluid intake during labour could adversely affect both mother and infant.