Do you have to have an iv while in labor? I am planning on going natural.?

Answer 1

I had both of my kids naturally and didn't need an IV with either of them.

Answer 2

I agree with many of the answers already submitted. All 3 of my labors were natural but I did get stuck with an IV twice, due to testing positive for StrepB. But, this shows that it totally depends on the doctor/nurse/midwife that you have. I actually found that I got the most pressure to have the IV from the nurse-midwife. My second baby was delivered by the head of Obstetrics and when I told him that I absolutely did not want an IV, he was completely OK with that. In any case, be prepared to get some pressure and say "no" if you don't want it. Just an FYI, if you are StrepB positive, they can threaten you with keeping the baby in NICU for 2 days if you don't agree with an IV (this is ultimately why I chose to have the IV put in).
Congratulations and good luck!

Answer 3

Talk to your caregiver ahead of time about being allowed to eat and drink in labor. If they let you have fluids by mouth, there is no reason for you to have to have IV fluids if you are going unmedicated.

I've had 3 unmedicated births.
I had #1 in a hospital, unmed, no IV. I did consent to a heplock just in case it was needed.
I had #2 in a freestanding birth center, no IV.
I had #3 at home. I had antibiotics for GBS+ by IV but that was just about 20 mins of my whole labor. After that, no IV.

They can't do anything to you without your consent.

ETA:
You CAN eat in labor if you discuss it with your caregiver. Most midwives ENCOURAGE moms to eat in labor. You wouldn't run a marathon without nourishment and fluids. You shouldn't give birth without it either. Unless you end up with a c/s under general anesthesia (knocked out) then there is no problem at all with you eating lightly (broths, jello, popsicles, protein drinks) and drinking something like Gatorade. I ate and drank as I wanted with all three labors.

Answer 4

I don't think so, I never did. That was a few years ago, but I would think only if they needed to rehydrate you or deliver some medication if absolutely necessary.
Talk to your health care provider. And maybe conisder getting a Doula, they are birthing coaches and can be very helpful in getting you thru the rough spots of the delivery and stick to your birthing plan. I believe the cost for a doula is minimal

Answer 5

Is this your first?....Hopefully you can go natural....but you need to be prepared, the best of plans can go to the way side sometime....As far as the IV goes...you would not need it unless they give you a pertosin (not spelled right) drip (makes your uterus contract harder and faster)....If you really want to go natural...don't go to the hospital any sooner than what is necessary....if you go early....they are going to want to speed up the process....they'll want to give you the pertosin. Just hang at home as long as you can....lay around....take a warm bath....walk....and when your contractions get closer and regulated....then go in. Check with your Doctor on how long you can wait before you go in. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Yep, they make you have an IV in some hospitals as soon as you're admitted, this is just in case an emergency should arise and they need to give you medication. Also, you can't eat while in labour so the solution they give you has some sugars in it that will help you keep your strength up. I think if you put it in your birthplan that you DO NOT want an IV that they have to abide by your wishes. Check with your hospital though... before you go in laobur :)

Answer 7

I think that they put what they call a hep lock in you, its the iv but without the medicine. They put the needle in your hand but dont run any meds in you. Most hospitals use these just incase you need meds immedialty. For example with me my blood pressure bottomed out with the epidural and they had instant access to get me the meds i needed. Although not all hospitals do this so Its just according where you live.

Answer 8

Tell them no.
Be adament about it.
There was a shift change during my labor, and the second doctor was all pissy about me not getting an IV. She made me sign waivers.
Your body. You decide what you want to do. If you need one for any reason later, it'll take about 15 seconds to put in.

Answer 9

You have to sign a consent form for any services provided, but they usually reccomend a IV just in case something goes wrong and they have to get fluids in you quickly.

Answer 10

If you tested positive for Group B strep than you'll have an IV with antibiotics, otherwise you shouldn't need one.