An IV allows fluid to be administered through a catheter inserted into a vein in the hand or arm. It can be given to help prevent or correct dehydration and to provide an easy route for the administration of medications.
We may start an IV at the center if there are signs of dehydration during labor if antibiotics are needed, pain medication is desired, or there is a larger than normal blood loss during birth.
Anyone giving birth at the hospital will have a capped IV (called a saline-lock) and blood work drawn as routine procedure.