missjess

Sorry for my lack of knowledge, I was just wondering if we automatically get an IV in the arm if we get the epi-dural? And what comes from this IV? I know you get a catheter for the epi-dural, but what would be the use of an IV in the arm? Pain meds? .... Honestly I really don't want one!

toriaaaaTRASH

I think the IV in the hand is for people that are induced? Then again, I'm even more clueless than you are probably.

Phexia

Often the contractions stop or slow down when you get an epidural so they want an IV so they can give you the oxytocin. I'm sure there are other reasons too.

luckyme225

It's there to push IV fluid through your body before you have the epidural.

BurtonBaby

I think the policy changes hospital to hospital. Before I knew I was having a section, I wanted to avoid an IV, and I HATE them. But my hospital gives IV's to every woman in labor, in case something happens that they have to administer meds, or go into a section, they are prepared. With having an epi, it might be for fluids, or pain meds, since they can offer those as well. I'd ask your doctor about it, and see what they're policy is. I hate having IV's, I'm def not looking forward to that!

Samantha675

It is automatic in all hospital births, no matter what.

missjess

I'm so not looking forward to that then ... I had such bad experiences with IV's in the past when I had surgeries... Oh man

PurestFeeling

I'm glad to have it I get dehydrated very easy and from what I know while having an epi you can't really eat or drink anything.

pepperflake

never mind- realised what I was saying didn't make sense

Holldoll

You can have a heparin block put in, if you don't want the fluids. That's what I'm going to do. The fluids can dilute the horomones and make your labor slow down.