Hyponatremia Among Parturients Transferred to the Hospital After Prolonged Labor During an Attempted Home Birth

BACKGROUND: Hypovolemic hyponatremia has not been widely reported in the obstetric literature. Anecdotally, we noticed severe hyponatremia in several of our patients who presented as home birth transfers, leading to a review of home birth cases and hyponatremia. Given the morbidity associated with hyponatremia, it is important to be aware of its potential occurrence. CASE: We present the cases of two patients transferred to our hospital with hyponatremia after prolonged labor. These women presented with altered mental status, somnolence, and decreased urine output. Both were admitted to the intensive care unit but made a full recovery. CONCLUSION: Hyponatremia is a serious potential complication of prolonged labor. We propose mechanisms for this condition and recommendations for surveillance and prevention.