Saline Drip in Labor Carries Risk

Instead of accepting a saline drip to stay hydrated while being forced to fast, why not simply drink when thirsty to stay hydrated?

Many hospitals require an IV like to be placed as policy. However many women are oblivious to the fact that something as simple as a saline drip can carry risk.

A saline drip can cause excess water in the calls which ends up in the spaces between the cells, causing swelling. Swelling in the vaginal area can make it harder for a mom to give birth. If mom tears, this swelling can make it more difficult to sew her up properly. Post birth, excess swelling of the breast tissue can make it harder for baby to latch.

This excess water can also reach the baby through the umbilical cord, causing swelling in the baby as well. Baby may possibly have a harder time fitting through the birth canal. Then when baby is weighed post birth, that weight, measured in pounds and ounces, will be set as the baby’s birth weight. Once the baby urinates off the excess water, this can cause fear that the baby has lost too much weight, making mom doubt her ability to produce milk and nourish her baby.

You can accept the placement of the IV port for emergency use without attaching it to anything or accepting a saline drip for no reason. Remember that in addition to the risks states above, being connected to the IV bag will limit your mobility.

We do not expect marathon runners to refrain from drinking water. Why do we expect this of laboring moms when giving birth requires more energy and effort than running a marathon?

Drink when thirsty, pass urine regularly, and snack on small bites of energy dense foods (such as dates, dried fruits or nuts) to keep up your stamina for the challenging efforts of labor and birth!

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