Materials and Methods: The present randomized clinical trial was conducted on 201 nulliparous women in labor assigned to 3 groups using a randomized block design, each receiving either Ringer?s solution plus oral fluids, dextrose solution 5% solution plus oral fluids or oral fluids alone. The solutions were intravenously administered at a rate of 125 mL/h in the groups receiving the solutions and the subjects in the oral fluids group could consume liquids of their choice (water, orange juice and apple juice). Delivery outcomes, including maternal outcomes (type of delivery, use of oxytocin and prolonged labor) and neonatal outcome (Apgar score) were recorded by the researcher. Data were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the chi-square test and Fisher exact test.

Results: A significant difference was observed between the 3 groups in terms of administration of oxytocin (P < 0.001), cesarean section (P = 0.003), prolonged labor (P = 0.001) and the first minute Apgar (P = 0.003). However, no significant difference was observed in terms of the fifth minute Apgar score (P = 0.770).

Conclusion: The results suggest that the consumption of dextrose solution by nulliparous women reduces the C-section rate, the need for oxytocin administration, the frequency of prolonged labor and improve neonatal outcome compared to when Ringer?s solution and oral fluids are used.