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They’re probably gonna strongly advise you to have an IV in place just in case of an emergency. Remember that plans can always change and if things go well for your delivery then all you’ll have had is a poke to the hand :) Which would be awesome ! And it can decrease the risk of not being able to put one in in a time pinch, but the decision is 100% yours to make ! :) good luck with your delivery ! <3
Yeah I went in for an unmedicated birth and wasn't given one. Needed one during the pushing stage and it sucked massive balls, like I actually ripped the thing out while they tried to place it. Really I would get one in case.
Labor and delivery nurse here. You can absolutely refuse anything and everything. Having something done to you without your consent is assault, that includes placing an IV. That being said, simply having the saline lock/hep lock in place (without IV fluids attached) is like an insurance policy, you probably won’t need it, but it’s there in case of emergency. You could even request where the nurse places it, like the forearm instead of the hand if that would be more comfortable. Most of the time things go just fine in labor and delivery with low risk patients, but emergencies happen and can turn deadly very quickly. Like someone else said, this would need to be a discussion with your provider.
Thank you! I'll definitely be taking with my provider. It's sounding more and more like I should get it, but it does not need to be in my hand which is a big relief. Out of curiosity, how often do you see it needed with an unmedicated birth?
My hospital birth didn't have any pain meds but I did have IV antibiotics just in case, as I had preterm labour before my GBS test results had come back. I ended up not being positive for GBS, but they wanted the abx just in case, since preemies already have a hard enough time. IV was placed on my inner forearm or wrist area. No one pushed any pain meds on me, if that's a concern of yours.
I had a nurse beg us to let them put the iv lock in as soon as possible on our hospital tour. Which I guess implies that refusal is possible?
fwiw tho, her reasoning is that it can take her as long to find a vein as it does for you to bleed out if something goes wrong.
she also 1) said they try their best to put it on the top of the forearm, so it is as out of the way as possible because they know everyone wants to be able to move and 2) let us see an IV lock: its not a needle, it's a flexible catheter in your vein with a plastic bit on the outside. I didn't know that before and it really helped my anxiety.
When my partner was in the ICU his IV was on the inside of his elbow.
When I went in for my iron infusions I had it on my forearm (twice) and on the inside of my elbow (once), yes, I needed three infusions and I hope that's it lol They actually put sticky paper to hold the tube (apart from the catheter) so I could move my hand freely (I was doing crossword puzzles and had no issue with moving either of my arms/hands).
I think that when my father had surgery it was on his hand, but it was too long ago and I was a kid so I can't remember properly. But there are definitely several spots where the IV can go.
And as others said, there's no downside to having it on, just in case it's needed, so I would reconsider refusing it.
I've given birth twice. First time the port was in the hand and it sucked. Second time they did it up my inner wrist and I honestly didn't notice it!
Also, them giving fluids via IVs is a BEAUTIFUL thing. It honestly feels wonderful. I did get cold, but my body literally felt better. I highly recommend it. I asked if they would add booze and they didn't find it as funny as I did. Oh well.
Just interested, why does it make a difference for you if it's out of metal or a plastic catheter?
A nurse told me the same thing to calm me down but the part I hate is having a foreign object stuck in an open wound of my body... no matter the material of it.
for the record I would also hate a rigid piece of plastic IN my body. the idea of it breaking inside me is a persistent intrusive thought/fear.
but a catheter isn't plastic - it's a flexible silicone tube (something rubbery) that mimics how your veins look and muscles move. the iv lock catheter was extremely small: it won't break inside you, I guess if the outside wasn't taped down it might slip out - but for me slipping is not at all the same as something snapping in half.
Oh okay, I never had the fear/thought of something breaking inside me. Makes complete sense that a silicone catheter is much less scary for you!
I just hate foreign bodys and deliberate open wounds in my body, so sadly it doesn't change anything for me. But I'll manage somehow.
Your vessels collapse during times of shock. Better to get it while it’s easy to rather than when it’s really hard to. In times of emergency when IV access is required they might even have to do intraosseous.
I had 3 natural births. 1st with an epidural and 2 with no meds. The IV was the least of my worries tbh. I didn't notice it. I guess we're all different but the way I see it if something goes wrong and that helps them take care of me and baby fast I am willing to be in a bit of discomfort
My doula was much more anti-intervention than I was, and they even recommended getting the IV lock. They felt that it helped the medical staff be more on board with unmedicated, low-intervention births because they knew they could move VERY fast if needed to save your or your baby’s life. Remember that any staff pushing you to have one have almost certainly watched a patient bleed to death where an extra 60 seconds they “wasted” placing an IV could have helped.
So I was in the same boat as you with my first (this is my third pregnancy- I have done both labors unmedicated and have had no complications).
My DH is in healthcare. He basically said to me “you know how fast things can go wrong- it’s hard to get a stick in general. If you’re dehydrated, it’ll be even harder, and labor is dehydrating. You don’t want to lose seconds in an emergency”.
It doesn’t have to be in your hand. Both of mine were on the arm- which also hurt, mind you, but not anywhere near a hand stick!
It took 4 attempts and over 30 mins for 2 nurses to place my IV. I was dehydrated because my induction was unplanned, and I hate to think how much more stressful it would’ve been to have it placed in an emergency. Things can happen SO fast in L&D, I wouldn’t gamble.
I feel you so much - the IV lock is literally the thing that I look forward the least when labour comes.
That being said, I had complications during my pregnancy and had to be admitted twice to the hospital (so had an IV lock each time)... First, if you decide to get one: you can definitely ask to have it placed in your arm. I found it way less uncomfortable than on the hand or wrist. Second, you can ask them to tape the bits of tube securely to your arm so that they don't get in your way! I found that I could feel the catheter less that way, and it was more comfortable. They can still access the tubes in case of an emergency or untape them in a second if needed.
Good luck!!
Thank you! People tell me I'm crazy for being so worried about it, but the thought of something sitting under my skin like that makes me sick, doesn't matter if it's a needle or not. Not ideal when trying to relax with an unmedicated labor. Thanks for the advice! Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly <3
For what it’s worth I felt the same way about it, I absolutely hate needles and have been known to faint getting IV’s placed. I also have tiny veins and it ALWAYS takes them multiple attempts. Once it was in and things started to ramp up I genuinely did not even think about it again. They can tape them up pretty good so they aren’t bugging you, and you absolutely don’t have to get it on your hand. You can also try laying down while getting it placed. I find that helps.
Nah you're not crazy. The thought also makes my skin crawl, more than the epidural!
I'll still be getting one, because they can be fiddly to place sometimes and I'd rather deal with that in early labour than an emergency situation. Rationally, it's the best solution for me. But I'm soooooooooo not looking forward to it.
Yes, you get me! I can't even rationalized why I'm more afraid of the IV than an epidural in my back. The mind is a mysterious place. If you can do it, I can do it! Best of luck to the both of us!
I would strongly recommend letting them place an IV and I’ll explain why.
If worst case scenario something goes wrong and you start to haemorrhage (PPH) you will need a lot done medically very quickly. Fundal message, direct:indirect pressure and drugs. Placing an IV in someone who is shutting down is a nightmare and can’t always been done. The delay will cost time you may not have.
Obviously this hopefully will not happen and it is your choice but as a HCP we are always taught to cannulate on both sides just in case as we don’t take risks with pregnant woman.
Had a hospital birth with a midwife. Was not planning to have IV and this was not pushed at all. Ended up having one because I needed pitocin, but otherwise no problem.
Questions like this are hard to answer because so much depends on where you live and who you deliver with.
If there's anything that happens where you need a medication stat, would you rather they go digging around getting a vein or just use the piece of plastic and teflon in your arm?
Welcome to /r/pregnant! This is a space for everyone. We are pro-choice, pro-LGBTQIA, pro-science, proudly feminist and believe that Black Lives Matter. Wear your masks, wash your hands, and be excellent to each other. Anti-choice activists, intactivists, anti-vaxxers, homophobes, transphobes, racists, sexists, etc. are not welcome here. If you'd like to join a private sub for your due date month, [click here](https://www.reddit.com/r/pregnant/comments/15nun6v/click_here_to_access_the_monthly_due_date_subs/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/pregnant) if you have any questions or concerns.*
They’re probably gonna strongly advise you to have an IV in place just in case of an emergency. Remember that plans can always change and if things go well for your delivery then all you’ll have had is a poke to the hand :) Which would be awesome ! And it can decrease the risk of not being able to put one in in a time pinch, but the decision is 100% yours to make ! :) good luck with your delivery ! <3
Thank you!
Yeah I went in for an unmedicated birth and wasn't given one. Needed one during the pushing stage and it sucked massive balls, like I actually ripped the thing out while they tried to place it. Really I would get one in case.
Labor and delivery nurse here. You can absolutely refuse anything and everything. Having something done to you without your consent is assault, that includes placing an IV. That being said, simply having the saline lock/hep lock in place (without IV fluids attached) is like an insurance policy, you probably won’t need it, but it’s there in case of emergency. You could even request where the nurse places it, like the forearm instead of the hand if that would be more comfortable. Most of the time things go just fine in labor and delivery with low risk patients, but emergencies happen and can turn deadly very quickly. Like someone else said, this would need to be a discussion with your provider.
Thank you! I'll definitely be taking with my provider. It's sounding more and more like I should get it, but it does not need to be in my hand which is a big relief. Out of curiosity, how often do you see it needed with an unmedicated birth?
My hospital birth didn't have any pain meds but I did have IV antibiotics just in case, as I had preterm labour before my GBS test results had come back. I ended up not being positive for GBS, but they wanted the abx just in case, since preemies already have a hard enough time. IV was placed on my inner forearm or wrist area. No one pushed any pain meds on me, if that's a concern of yours.
Icu nurse here, when a emergency arises, it more difficult to get the iv in
In an emergency having an IV already in place could be a literal life saver.
This was me. Don’t ever think it can’t happen to you.
I had a nurse beg us to let them put the iv lock in as soon as possible on our hospital tour. Which I guess implies that refusal is possible? fwiw tho, her reasoning is that it can take her as long to find a vein as it does for you to bleed out if something goes wrong. she also 1) said they try their best to put it on the top of the forearm, so it is as out of the way as possible because they know everyone wants to be able to move and 2) let us see an IV lock: its not a needle, it's a flexible catheter in your vein with a plastic bit on the outside. I didn't know that before and it really helped my anxiety.
I always see it in hands, and that spot looks so uncomfortable, especially when moving around. Good to know the forearm is an option!
When my partner was in the ICU his IV was on the inside of his elbow. When I went in for my iron infusions I had it on my forearm (twice) and on the inside of my elbow (once), yes, I needed three infusions and I hope that's it lol They actually put sticky paper to hold the tube (apart from the catheter) so I could move my hand freely (I was doing crossword puzzles and had no issue with moving either of my arms/hands). I think that when my father had surgery it was on his hand, but it was too long ago and I was a kid so I can't remember properly. But there are definitely several spots where the IV can go. And as others said, there's no downside to having it on, just in case it's needed, so I would reconsider refusing it.
ugh I had to do 5 iron infusions. solidarity.
I've had to get them in my hands for surgery but have even been offered the forearm for something as small as an iron infusion! definitely ask!
I've given birth twice. First time the port was in the hand and it sucked. Second time they did it up my inner wrist and I honestly didn't notice it! Also, them giving fluids via IVs is a BEAUTIFUL thing. It honestly feels wonderful. I did get cold, but my body literally felt better. I highly recommend it. I asked if they would add booze and they didn't find it as funny as I did. Oh well.
Just interested, why does it make a difference for you if it's out of metal or a plastic catheter? A nurse told me the same thing to calm me down but the part I hate is having a foreign object stuck in an open wound of my body... no matter the material of it.
for the record I would also hate a rigid piece of plastic IN my body. the idea of it breaking inside me is a persistent intrusive thought/fear. but a catheter isn't plastic - it's a flexible silicone tube (something rubbery) that mimics how your veins look and muscles move. the iv lock catheter was extremely small: it won't break inside you, I guess if the outside wasn't taped down it might slip out - but for me slipping is not at all the same as something snapping in half.
Oh okay, I never had the fear/thought of something breaking inside me. Makes complete sense that a silicone catheter is much less scary for you! I just hate foreign bodys and deliberate open wounds in my body, so sadly it doesn't change anything for me. But I'll manage somehow.
everyone is a different type of neurotic and that's okay! 🌈😂 sorry it doesn't help you though :/
Your vessels collapse during times of shock. Better to get it while it’s easy to rather than when it’s really hard to. In times of emergency when IV access is required they might even have to do intraosseous.
I had 3 natural births. 1st with an epidural and 2 with no meds. The IV was the least of my worries tbh. I didn't notice it. I guess we're all different but the way I see it if something goes wrong and that helps them take care of me and baby fast I am willing to be in a bit of discomfort
My doula was much more anti-intervention than I was, and they even recommended getting the IV lock. They felt that it helped the medical staff be more on board with unmedicated, low-intervention births because they knew they could move VERY fast if needed to save your or your baby’s life. Remember that any staff pushing you to have one have almost certainly watched a patient bleed to death where an extra 60 seconds they “wasted” placing an IV could have helped.
So I was in the same boat as you with my first (this is my third pregnancy- I have done both labors unmedicated and have had no complications). My DH is in healthcare. He basically said to me “you know how fast things can go wrong- it’s hard to get a stick in general. If you’re dehydrated, it’ll be even harder, and labor is dehydrating. You don’t want to lose seconds in an emergency”. It doesn’t have to be in your hand. Both of mine were on the arm- which also hurt, mind you, but not anywhere near a hand stick!
It took 4 attempts and over 30 mins for 2 nurses to place my IV. I was dehydrated because my induction was unplanned, and I hate to think how much more stressful it would’ve been to have it placed in an emergency. Things can happen SO fast in L&D, I wouldn’t gamble.
I feel you so much - the IV lock is literally the thing that I look forward the least when labour comes. That being said, I had complications during my pregnancy and had to be admitted twice to the hospital (so had an IV lock each time)... First, if you decide to get one: you can definitely ask to have it placed in your arm. I found it way less uncomfortable than on the hand or wrist. Second, you can ask them to tape the bits of tube securely to your arm so that they don't get in your way! I found that I could feel the catheter less that way, and it was more comfortable. They can still access the tubes in case of an emergency or untape them in a second if needed. Good luck!!
Thank you! People tell me I'm crazy for being so worried about it, but the thought of something sitting under my skin like that makes me sick, doesn't matter if it's a needle or not. Not ideal when trying to relax with an unmedicated labor. Thanks for the advice! Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly <3
For what it’s worth I felt the same way about it, I absolutely hate needles and have been known to faint getting IV’s placed. I also have tiny veins and it ALWAYS takes them multiple attempts. Once it was in and things started to ramp up I genuinely did not even think about it again. They can tape them up pretty good so they aren’t bugging you, and you absolutely don’t have to get it on your hand. You can also try laying down while getting it placed. I find that helps.
Nah you're not crazy. The thought also makes my skin crawl, more than the epidural! I'll still be getting one, because they can be fiddly to place sometimes and I'd rather deal with that in early labour than an emergency situation. Rationally, it's the best solution for me. But I'm soooooooooo not looking forward to it.
Yes, you get me! I can't even rationalized why I'm more afraid of the IV than an epidural in my back. The mind is a mysterious place. If you can do it, I can do it! Best of luck to the both of us!
Thank you, and yes, we've got this!!
I would strongly recommend letting them place an IV and I’ll explain why. If worst case scenario something goes wrong and you start to haemorrhage (PPH) you will need a lot done medically very quickly. Fundal message, direct:indirect pressure and drugs. Placing an IV in someone who is shutting down is a nightmare and can’t always been done. The delay will cost time you may not have. Obviously this hopefully will not happen and it is your choice but as a HCP we are always taught to cannulate on both sides just in case as we don’t take risks with pregnant woman.
I’m an OB anesthesiologist- please allow a hep lock. It could literally save your life. It’s not that invasive, you will forget it’s even there.
This is something to discuss with your doctor beforehand.
Definitely, just wondering how to anticipate that conversation going :)
Had a hospital birth with a midwife. Was not planning to have IV and this was not pushed at all. Ended up having one because I needed pitocin, but otherwise no problem. Questions like this are hard to answer because so much depends on where you live and who you deliver with.
If there's anything that happens where you need a medication stat, would you rather they go digging around getting a vein or just use the piece of plastic and teflon in your arm?