IV use in Labor

What is an IV?

IV stands for intra-venous, which means "inside vein." In the case of IV fluids in labor, a needle is used to insert a thin plastic tube into a vein in your arm. Fluids are then sent through the tube straight into your blood stream.

Why choose an IV in labor?

IV fluids can help to hydrate a mother who has become dehydrated during labor.

IV fluids allow for the administration of pitocin and antibiotics.

If you choose to use an epidural, IV fluids will be given before the medication can be administered to prevent a drop in blood pressure.

Risks of IV use in labor

The IV pole can hinder mobility.
Henci Goer reports in The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth that no studies have been done to determine what the normal (non-IV) blood chemistry is during labor. Because of this it is impossible to determine the effects IV use has during labor.
Recent studies raise concern about IV fluids in labor being administered in too high of doses. It is possible that a woman receiving IV fluids in labor may develop fluid overload which can cause fluid in the mothers and babies lungs.
When the IV fluids contain glucose, the extra insulin that is produced can cause the baby to suffer hypoglycemia immediately after birth.
There is risk of inflammation or infection at the site of the IV insertion.

Other Options to Consider

Hydrate the mother with sips of water, ice chips, juice or beverage of her choice.
If a temporary IV is necessary for antibiotics, use a heparin lock (or hep well) which will give access to a vein for the IV, but allow the IV to be taken off and restarted without having to reinsert it into a vein.

What would you like next?

Understand what changes are being assessed during a cervical exam.

Find local resources in the The Natural Childbirth Directory.

Learn about comfort measures to help you manage labor.

Discover ways to stay comfortable during pregnancy.

Explore how exercise and nutrition can help you achieve your birth plan goals.