What to Know:
Routine IV use restricts movement, decreases confidence, may over-hydrate mothers and may contribute to low blood sugar in newborns.
Restricting eating and drinking during their birthing process depletes a woman’s energy when she needs it most.
The WHO recommends offering women fluids by mouth and eliminating routine IV use during labor.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends that low-risk laboring women be allowed to drink clear liquids (such as water, juice, carbonated drinks, clear tea, and black coffee).
You’ll need an IV if:
You develop health problems or complications before or during labor.
You’re at high risk for complications.
Your birthing is induced or speeded up with Pitocin.
You have an epidural.
How to Avoid Unnecessary Use:
Choose your caregiver and birth site carefully.
Talk to your caregiver about your desire to eat, drink, and avoid unnecessary IV use.
Confidently eat and drink while you labor at home.
Stay at home as long as possible during your first stage.
How to Keep Your Birthing as Normal as Possible if You Will Need an IV:
Stay at home as long as possible during your first stage.
Eat and drink as your body commands while you’re at home.
Suck on ice chips, Popsicles, or lollipops while at the hospital if they restrict eating.
Walk around with your IV pole.
Stay as active as possible.
Remember that you don’t need the IV to have a safe birth and a healthy baby.