Saline Lock

caeraRose

I have a big problem with needles, and I had been worried about a saline lock, which I was told is standard in the hospital where I'll be delivering. We talked to my OB about it yesterday, and she basically said that she would really, really like me to have one in case something goes wrong, but she can't require it. I trust her opinion, especially because she's agreed with us on pretty much everything else we wanted for L&D, so I feel like I should go ahead and get one. Is there anyone else here that has dealt with a saline lock when they're afraid of needles? Any idea how much it's going to drive me nuts, or will I probably not even notice?

topaz7777

Saline lock is a quick needle stick, then they remove the needle and leave in a small cathader in your vein.  It gets taped down and just has a little tube attached which also gets taped down.  Once it's in they can attach an IV very quickly if necessary and know they already have a good vein.  I'm sure it will still be scary when they place it, but just try to remember that they remove the needle and it doesn't stay in place with the lock.

AndromedaEclipse

A saline lock is probably easier on you in that case.  They won't need to stick you in an emergency, which is stressful.  They'll put it in calmly, then you won't have to think about it anymore.

cchill01

Once they get it in, it really shouldn't hurt. Just more annoying than anything else.

If it does start to hurt, ask a nurse about it.  I should have spoken up sooner, because my arm was swelling and in extreme pain for 18+ hours. I guess it was impacted?  The anethesiologist had to put in a new line just before my c-section and he was scolding me for not saying anything.  My entire arm hurt for a week afterward.

Of course, you can definitely refuse if you want to.   But, if you need pitocin or want any type of pain medication, it's not an option to refuse.

kincaid44

You're going to be in so much pain from labor that a little stick with a needle will be nothing.  You probably wont even feel it.

caeraRose

My concern is more about having a big plastic thing flopping around on my arm - I always get these ridiculous mental images of it falling out and I start squirting blood everywhere. ><

 But you're probably right, there will probably be so many other things to worry about during labor that I won't notice it. And it does help, knowing that the needle itself won't still be in there. Thanks, guys!

snicksnack

You are better off having it when you arrive.  I had to have one put in once when I was dehydrated and it was hell.  I was stuck several times before it worked.  Most hospitals won?t let you eat or drink so there is a chance that by the time an emergency arrives you may be dehydrated making it hard to get a vein.

kdjudd

You'll do fine with a saline lock. It's just a quick needle stick and then it's done. Afterwards it is a bit annoying, but it shouldn't bother you too much. You'll get used to it after awhile. 

topaz7777

caeraRose:

My concern is more about having a big plastic thing flopping around on my arm - I always get these ridiculous mental images of it falling out and I start squirting blood everywhere. ><

 But you're probably right, there will probably be so many other things to worry about during labor that I won't notice it. And it does help, knowing that the needle itself won't still be in there. Thanks, guys!

The saline lock when you look at it is usually only about 4in (or less) of a little plastic tube that  they will put in a U shape and tape securely to your hand (or arm in some cases)  It's not going to flop much, it's very small.  Now with an IV you would be attached to something else, this will feel more like a really big sticker.

mikeandcristina

topaz7777:

Saline lock is a quick needle stick, then they remove the needle and leave in a small cathader in your vein.  It gets taped down and just has a little tube attached which also gets taped down.  Once it's in they can attach an IV very quickly if necessary and know they already have a good vein.  I'm sure it will still be scary when they place it, but just try to remember that they remove the needle and it doesn't stay in place with the lock.

This - I had one when I had home IV therapy for hyperemesis the first trimester - I'd hydrate during the day and detach from the IV at night. I'm terrified of needles as well (thanks to tons of allergy testing when I was little), and it wasn't too bad getting it put in. I will say, don't let them put it on the inside of your wrist (in line with your thumb where your wrist bends)- it's annoying and can be really sore when you move it. But it's so much better than an IV, because you don't have to haul a bag around!

kjem182

I've actually asked my doula that I don't have one unless absolutely necessary.  I give blood all the time, so I'm not afraid of needles, but I have to hold absolutely still when I have anything in my arm or else it really, really hurts.  I don't want to have to think about that during labor.  I don't plan on getting drugs, so I would only need one if I were dehydrated (I don't think that will be a problem-I drink like a fish) or need a transfusion.  I figure they can find a vein then.  While I know it's not a big deal to most, it is on my birth plan to wait until it's necessary, if at all.  So you could wait, if you wanted to.

GeekFantasy

I second just getting it done so there isn't the stress of trying to find a vein in an emergency.  I don't plan on having running fluids or meds, but I will certainly have a saline lock so if worse comes to worst, it's there and ready to go.  But I'm also not afraid of needles so it wasn't a very difficult decision.  Speaking from a medical point of view, you're really better off just having one that they can make sure is in and taped securely than trying to do it rapidly. 

christinakprice

topaz7777:

Saline lock is a quick needle stick, then they remove the needle and leave in a small cathader in your vein.  It gets taped down and just has a little tube attached which also gets taped down.  Once it's in they can attach an IV very quickly if necessary and know they already have a good vein.  I'm sure it will still be scary when they place it, but just try to remember that they remove the needle and it doesn't stay in place with the lock.

christinakprice

christinakprice:

topaz7777:

Saline lock is a quick needle stick, then they remove the needle and leave in a small cathader in your vein.  It gets taped down and just has a little tube attached which also gets taped down.  Once it's in they can attach an IV very quickly if necessary and know they already have a good vein.  I'm sure it will still be scary when they place it, but just try to remember that they remove the needle and it doesn't stay in place with the lock.

This, the needle gets thrown away, the little flexible tube is left in place.  It should not hurt.  Better to be safe than sorry.  You will have so many other things on your mind it probably won't bother you like you think.

 

Jill+Dave

I'm trying to avoid one this time if at all possible.  Last time it hurt so bad, even for several days afterwards.  It made it difficult to hold my daughter especially when bf'ing.  And of course the epidural only numbs you from the waist down so even after I got that, I was still in pain from the hep lock.