IV During Labor

OBGYN Sheryl Ross, MD, explains the purpose of giving women an IV during labor, and what the alternatives to an IV are during childbirth
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IV During Labor

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When a woman is in labor and she comes to the hospital, an IV or intravenous line is inserted into your veins. The purpose of this is IV hydration during labor and to secure access in the event of an emergency. Nausea and vomiting is very common in labor, so the idea is to make sure the patient is hydrated. Typically, you are not allowed to eat or drink during this process. The alternative to an IV is called a hepranlock or a heplock. This is for someone that prefers to be more mobile during labor. The IV is put in only for the purpose to secure access in the event of an emergency. You are not given continuous IV hydration. Women who get the heplock tend to want a more natural labor. They prefer not to have pain medication.

OBGYN Sheryl Ross, MD, explains the purpose of giving women an IV during labor, and what the alternatives to an IV are during childbirth

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Sherry Ross, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Sherry A. Ross, MD, received her OB/GYN training at the University of Southern California School of Medicine and she was honored with two teaching awards as a senior medical resident. She was a medical consultant on the books Expecting Fitness and Two at a Time.  She also has appeared on MTV, consulted for Fit Pregnancy, People, In Touch, and Shape Magazine. She has been in private practice in Santa Monica, California for the past 20 years. In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Ross was the President of the Upper and Middle Division of Brentwood School and has been on the board of Planned Parenthood, Los Angeles, for three years. She is married and has three children.

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Transcription: 
When a woman is in labor and she comes to the hospital, an IV or intravenous line is inserted into your veins. The purpose of this is IV hydration during labor and to secure access in the event of an emergency. Nausea and vomiting is very common in labor, so the idea is to make sure the patient is hydrated. Typically, you are not allowed to eat or drink during this process. The alternative to an IV is called a hepranlock or a heplock. This is for someone that prefers to be more mobile during labor. The IV is put in only for the purpose to secure access in the event of an emergency. You are not given continuous IV hydration. Women who get the heplock tend to want a more natural labor. They prefer not to have pain medication.