Having an IV when you are in labour. Did you have one? And can you still have a waterbirth?

Question

I have been advised to have an IV during my labour due to a PPH last time.
Will I still be able to have a water birth or will I have to refuse the IV to get one?

Answer 1

you will probably not be able to stay in the water with an IV inserted. If possible have them put in a heparin lock (which is what I had), basically they set up the IV in your arm, tape it down, and clip the ends, so there is just a little tubing on your arm that is not hooked up, but it provides ready access should they need to do an IV. Just make sure you stay as hydrated as possible before you go into labor and make your wishes very clear, have a birthplan and tell everyone what you want or you'll spend your entire labor going "no I just want a heparin lock" "no a heparin lock" "what are you doing?" "I want to have a water birth" "get away from me with that needle" :)

Answer 2

IVs serve as an emergency route for medications in case something goes wrong during your delivery. It also replaces the fluids you will lose. yes, you can still have the water birth even with an IV. it's not something to be worried about

Answer 3

I did not want an IV, instead my doctors put a "cap" (I think thats what it is called) Its an IV placed in your vein, but it isn't attatched to anything. That way if case of an emergency they can still hook you up to an IV very quickly, since it is already placed there.

Answer 4

Yes, I had an IV first time, but not a water birth, ask your midwife, she will advise you.

Answer 5

Your have asked alot of questions today, you need to make a list of all your questions and worries and get your midwife to go through them with you. Get it from the horses mouth as it were. Each hospital has its own routine depending on country and county/state your in. God luck but at the end of the day what will be will be and your and your babys health come first.

Answer 6

you still can have a water birth with iv good luck