Maternal Perceptions and Utilization of Peripheral Intravenous Access in the Postpartum Period

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.

A cross-sectional descriptive study.

This study was conducted in a maternal and pediatric unit of a regional hospital in Spain.

A total of 497 women who had a vaginal birth were included.

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.

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).

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.