To get or not to get?

victoriaaa1 · April 2015

IV meds during labor ?
I'm a FTM and after reading a discussion on epidural and people bring up med free labor I'm kinda going towards the med free side but I'm not to sure obviously I've never felt a real contraction or pain of birth but I can tolerate pain so I don't know but I have heard from a few people and my dads wife "don't get the IV because the way it makes you feel , it's horrible"
Coming from experienced moms should you or should you not get the IV ? What is the IV for anyways to be exact ? :-?

beccs98 · April 2015

I'm not really clear on what you mean by the IV? The epidural?

Nobody can really make that decision for you. The best advice I could give is to go into labour with an open mind. You're right, you have no idea what this is going to be like, and being too firm on which route you're going to take might make things harder on you in the moment.

As for my own experience, I've had one baby with an epidural and one without (not by choice, he just came too fast.) There were def positives and negatives about both. I will be asking for the epi again though for #3

victoriaaa1 · April 2015

@beccs98 well don't you get a separate IV in your hand and the the epidural is what goes into your back ? Or are things changed ?

And yeah that is true that's why I'm not making a exact choice that's just what I'm going with for now cause by all means anything can happen

Do you mind telling me the negatives with no med birth from your opinion?

joneka · April 2015

There are intravenous pain medications and then there is the epidural, but I am a FTM so I don't have any actual experience. I have heard that the IV meds do take the edge off the pain, but it is a personal decision...I would ask your physician the pros/cons to each including affects on baby. Also maybe you could go to the birth and other boards that have just gone through the birth experience and ask their experience with just the IV medications...

Some people say the IV medication made them feel out of it "loopy", while others say they felt "zero" pain and was in blissville, but had back pain months or years after the epidural

missmarissa711 · April 2015

I am not ashamed to say I am 100% getting an epidural and if there is any other meds they can give me, i'll take those as well. Put it on the tab...

emmacake08 · April 2015

I think it's always good to do research but not going into birth with a birth plan consisting of "don't give me this this and this". My doula and I just went over list of IV meds that are common which is different than and epidural. Some women try to avoid even getting an IV put in so they can labor more freely. If you are dehydrated or strep B + or need pitocin, you're getting an IV. I'm just waiting for being in the moment and deciding based on what I know the IV pain drugs are for vs what I'm feeling and needing. If you do get an IV for something temporary like a dose for strep b they can put a lock on your IV so you can unhook once it's done being administered and move around.

jess3609 · April 2015

I got an epidural and IV pain meds with DD and not ashamed at all! I'd say go into it with an open mind. I had been laboring for about 10hrs when I went into the hospital and I was ready for some pain relief! They placed the IV in my hand then gave me pain meds through that.... I had absolutely no relief from it!. Once I had the epidural it was awesome! Not sure about all hospital policies but where i am now you have to have an IV placed (not necessarily have meds through the IV) before anesthesia will place epidural.

morbid007 · April 2015

Marissalynn0620 said:
I am not ashamed to say I am 100% getting an epidural and if there is any other meds they can give me, i'll take those as well. Put it on the tab...

I second that!!

PixelPosy · April 2015

The IV in the hand is annoying, but I don't think it made me feel awful. The IV is there in case you need anything during labor, for example I spiked a fever indicating an infection while pushing and they administered antibiotics through it. My labor was induced so I needed the IV from the get go for the pitocin, they also gave me fluids through it.

I went in thinking I would refuse the epidural as well, but changed my mind (pitocin labor and not being allowed to move sucks) and I really believe having one was what kept me out of the c-section room. It is a very personal choice though, and it sounds like you're doing your research to make an educated decision for yourself. Just know you are absolutely allowed to change your mind that day.

amk013 · April 2015

You'll probably have to have an actual IV no matter what. They'll need to to give you fluids or in case of an emergency, etc.

Snooches07 · April 2015

Didn't have a birth plan with my first as my Dr said, let's just see what happens. With that said, my labor was about 34 hours, I was fine until around hour 27 and was begging for the epidural. I thought I had a high pain tolerance but man, I was not expecting that!! So I would just see how your body handles it and you'll be able to make the decision at the time needed. Not worth stressing over it now. I'm going in with the same mindset, if I need an epidural, I'll get one.

trudytudy · April 2015

OP I was like you in my first pregnancy with the same kind of thoughts. I ended up reading up more on med free birth then I went that route. I made the right choice for the birth and was happy with my decision. I suggest you keep researching and keep your options somewhat flexible.

ptelfra · April 2015

I am going to try to go all natural for as long as I can but will get the epidural if I can't handle the pain.

catalinadlong · April 2015

It's not going to be on the birth certificate and you do not receive a golden star or medal so why not go with the pain meds... It makes the experience more enjoyable!

Just my opinion!

gemmafig · April 2015

I've been overly anxious about everything since discovering I am pregnant. My OB has suggested getting pain medication because she's concerned that my anxiety will be even more exaggerated before and during labor. But, it was just her suggestion and my situation. Only you can figure out what to do.

sschwege · April 2015

If I'm reading your post correctly, I think you are looking for experience with an epi, with IV pain meds and with choosing a med-free birth, is that correct? I had my first two med-free and that's the plan this time unless things change. So obviously that's my preference. If my labor is different this time and I want pain medication I would choose an epi, hands down. Most women I know who have had epis had positive experiences with them, the epi was effective, didn't make them feel loopy, baby was alert when born etc. Of the women I know who had IV pain meds (Stadol is one though there are others), only one said she would do it again. Everyone else said it didn't help, made them feel tired and drunk but did nothing for the pain. Even the one person I know who had a positive experience admitted that she still felt the contractions, but she was so drugged up she just didn't care...no thanks! Plus unlike an epi, they need to shut it off before delivery, I think when you reach 6 or 7 cm? If baby is born before it wears off it can affect breathing and baby may be sleepy.

As far as just having IV fluids going, that's just to keep you hydrated and keep a line open so they can deliver meds if necessary. Whether you get that or not depends on a few factors, if you are induced, want pain meds, are GBS positive or dehydrated then an IV is a must-have. If you are giving birth med-free and able to drink fluids throughout your labor then it's more a matter of personal preference. I never had an IV or saline lock and don't plan to this time unless needed. My hospital doesn't do them routinely.

sschwege · April 2015

catalinadlong said:
It's not going to be on the birth certificate and you do not receive a golden star or medal so why not go with the pain meds... It makes the experience more enjoyable!

Just my opinion!

There are a lot of reasons a woman might choose a med-free birth and none of which involve receiving a medal! I can tell you that had nothing to do with my choice. I'm sorry, but it just really bothers me when people try to make it seem like women do it for the bragging rights.

jessandandy09 · April 2015

I have went med-free with all three of my children and plan to do so again with this one. I would never say that I might not ask for meds if the situation led me there. But I went in prepared to attempt a med-free child birth because I didn't want medications flowing to my child. It is important to do your own research so that you can look at what would be best for you without the "opinion" part of it influencing you.

kelseyrayay · April 2015

morbid007 said:

Marissalynn0620 said:
I am not ashamed to say I am 100% getting an epidural and if there is any other meds they can give me, i'll take those as well. Put it on the tab...

I second that!!

Agreed!!!!!

CaliforniaDream87 · April 2015

sschwege said:

catalinadlong said:
It's not going to be on the birth certificate and you do not receive a golden star or medal so why not go with the pain meds... It makes the experience more enjoyable!

Just my opinion!
There are a lot of reasons a woman might choose a med-free birth and none of which involve receiving a medal! I can tell you that had nothing to do with my choice. I'm sorry, but it just really bothers me when people try to make it seem like women do it for the bragging rights.

I agree. It sounds incredibly uneducated as well. I'm all about the Epi but this statement so pisses me off.

jesicabrennan · April 2015

You have to have the IV if you are given any meds. Example, I ended up at the hospital for an induction for preeclampsia but up until that point I was planning a home birth. I tried to get out of the IV but because they were giving me meds for the induction (it was a pill not meds through an IV like pitocin) they told me they had to at least place the IV but they would leave me unhooked. It's so you're prepped and ready should they need to administer IV fluids or other meds if you have an adverse reaction.

jesicabrennan · April 2015

catalinadlong said:
It's not going to be on the birth certificate and you do not receive a golden star or medal so why not go with the pain meds... It makes the experience more enjoyable!

Just my opinion!

The epidural was the worst part of my labor and delivery BY FAR.

Kimk1616 · April 2015

CaliforniaDream87 said:

sschwege said:

catalinadlong said:
It's not going to be on the birth certificate and you do not receive a golden star or medal so why not go with the pain meds... It makes the experience more enjoyable!

Just my opinion!
There are a lot of reasons a woman might choose a med-free birth and none of which involve receiving a medal! I can tell you that had nothing to do with my choice. I'm sorry, but it just really bothers me when people try to make it seem like women do it for the bragging rights.
I agree. It sounds incredibly uneducated as well. I'm all about the Epi but this statement so pisses me off.

Oh good, I'm not the only one. As a FTM, I've done lots of research on this and believe that a med free birth is what's best for me and my baby. However, I've also stated that I'm not trying to win any medals or show up anyone. And I'm not judging anyone who chooses to get meds. I think it's important to research all your options, discuss with your doctor, and know the pros/cons of each because none of us really know exactly what's going to happen when our babies decide to be born.

Starynightsky24 · April 2015

DS came so fast there was no time for any meds. I will say though the plan was med free but when asked when I got to the hospital, I said yes to the epi. And I know if there had been time I would have had it. Keep an open mind.

The plan this time is med free again. I'm hoping DD will come fast too so that I can stick it out. If not though, I'd definitely be getting an epi.

CaliforniaDream87 · April 2015

Bottom line is this: what works for you may not work for someone else. For example-I tried med free and it was THE worst experience of my life. The epidural was the most amazing decision I ever made. This is coming from someone who paid tons of money on hypnobabies and spent my entire pregnancy researching med free labor. This may not be the case for everyone and that's fine. I don't give a shit about a medal and I'm sure the ladies who went med free weren't expecting one either. Anyone who says this needs to get over themselves.

Do what works for you. It really is that simple

runwee · April 2015

I had the iv meds with my second and they made me feel like I was drunk. I was laying in the bed and felt like I was going to fall out because the room was spinning so much. I have heard others say that as well. I know this time I won't be doing that again. I am hoping to make it through without anything this go around but like others have said you just need to keep an open mind about it.

HarleenQuinz86 · April 2015

I had an epidural with both my previous births the first time I was induced and the epidural was too strong, I couldn't feel anything to push well and ended up getting an episiotomy. The second time I had just enough so I felt no pain but was able to feel to push. This time around I'm going for the epidural again but I may ask them to have it on a low dose or even shut it off a little before it's time to push just so I'm not completely numb.

cosplaymom · April 2015

I was going to try med-free but after two normal contractions and thinking "hey I can handle this" THEN the back labor started. Holy crap that hurt like someone slowly stabbing me in the back with a knife every time I had a contraction. I didn't even feel the crampy part of the contraction, just the back pain. After several hours of this and a short time in the tub I said "bring on the meds!" they gave me some kind of IV drug that they said they could only do two doses of; it took the edge off the pain but wasn't enough so I asked for the epidural. Well that was painful but I was already being jabbed in the back so the epi was like a quick bee sting on top of that. Only problem was the epidural didn't take away any pain at all! So they had to pull it out and do it all over again higher up my spine; it worked and it completely blocked all sensation below that point. The relief was so great that i actually fell asleep until it was time to push.

Next time I hope I get to experience normal contractions without the back labor. But I have no problem calling for the epidural. That was a good experience for me and I was able to have enough energy to push her out fast when I needed to.

ann_jeremiah · April 2015

The IV and epidural are two different things. I had no problems with either and I thought your body got fluids from the IV as drinking is discouraged.

catalinadlong · April 2015

I didn't mean anything about "bragging" rights. Sorry if it came across that way... I just feel sometimes women have a lot of pressure to go all natural. Obviously, it is your choice and whatever you decide, will be the right choice for you.

bhargrave88 · April 2015

I had an IV but declined the narcotics via iv(they told me it would take 20 minutes to kick in, and I was waiting on the epidural in another 30 so I was like "contractions are 2 minutes apart.. That would be 15 more contractions. I'll wait." Longest wait ever lol. My labor was a little unusual, I never had contractions until after my water broke then it was 2 minutes apart from there on out.. It got intense quick. I tried to go pain med free but after 5 hours of 2 minutes apart contractions and no sleep.. I needed a break and got the epidural. I'll go as long as I can but I'm not going to be a martyr to brag about how I had no meds during birth. I knew I'd handle pushing a lot better if I could get some rest, it's all about knowing your limits. No one can take away anything from your birth just because you opt for meds. My labor was really intense from the get go. Others aren't. Just go with it mama. You can always change your mind .. Except after an epidural lol. Mine worked great, but I won't go there

chavemann10 · April 2015

victoriaaa1 said:
@beccs98 well don't you get a separate IV in your hand and the the epidural is what goes into your back ? Or are things changed ?

And yeah that is true that's why I'm not making a exact choice that's just what I'm going with for now cause by all means anything can happen

Do you mind telling me the negatives with no med birth from your opinion?

Usually the IV is there to keep you hydrated and in case of an emergency, they also do it to push antibiotics if you are sick or test positive for Strep. I personally wouldn't turn down the IV because of my own discomfort if it was there to help in case of an emergency. Me on the other hand, I have no choice. I am having my 4th c-section, and know going in I will have IV's with fluids (I can't eat/drink for 12hrs before) and will be receiving a spinal. But, the choice is yours alone to make!

sschwege · April 2015

chavemann10 said:

victoriaaa1 said:
@beccs98 well don't you get a separate IV in your hand and the the epidural is what goes into your back ? Or are things changed ?

And yeah that is true that's why I'm not making a exact choice that's just what I'm going with for now cause by all means anything can happen

Do you mind telling me the negatives with no med birth from your opinion?
Usually the IV is there to keep you hydrated and in case of an emergency, they also do it to push antibiotics if you are sick or test positive for Strep. I personally wouldn't turn down the IV because of my own discomfort if it was there to help in case of an emergency. Me on the other hand, I have no choice. I am having my 4th c-section, and know going in I will have IV's with fluids (I can't eat/drink for 12hrs before) and will be receiving a spinal. But, the choice is yours alone to make!

Another option is to do a saline lock, so they have an open line but there is nothing going in. This way they have emergency access but it doesn't get in the way the way a running IV would, in case you want to walk or get in the bath. My hospital doesn't do saline locks or running IVs routinely, but if they did I would agree to a saline lock.

The negatives of a med-free birth would be different for everyone. I think the only negative for me is that I tore both times and had to get lidicaine (sp?) shots to numb me, I would imagine with an epi that wouldn't be necessary. Getting stitched up is not pleasant when you have gone med-free. I did ask them both times to numb me with liquid lidicaine before they gave me the shots, I think that helped.

hollyberri · April 2015

Aside from being induced with my first due to concerns over her heart and her size, I went med-free and hope to do the same this time. I didn't really feel the need for meds until transition happened, at which point the doctor assured me that I was going to have the baby in half an hour. At that point, I was more worried that I wouldn't be able to have her than anything, but she came out just fine. I was on the IV from the beginning because of the induction, and they kept me hydrated that way as well.

I honestly wouldn't change a thing, labor's hard but for me the choice was to go without the drugs. I focused on my husband and breathing, and he helped keep me grounded throughout the experience. I can't explain it completely, but he was great with helping me focus and the bonding that happened as a result is like nothing I've ever experienced. I think the decision should happen as things unfold, do not go into labor with any expectations, but perhaps guidelines to help you. We had a birth plan and they followed it almost to a T.

abbycjones · April 2015

I'm a FTM and am hoping to go the med-free route. I'm not opposed to an epidural if things are too intense but I know I'd prefer not to have the IV pain meds. The women I know who have had them say they don't do much for the pain and they make you feel drunk.

I'm also hoping I don't have to be induced. I've heard several horror stories about Pitocin and I'd prefer to avoid taking it.

I'd like to have a birth plan but I'm not going to freak out if things happen and it gets thrown out the window. I just want my baby girl here as safely as possible.

Definitely talk to your doctor. They'll be able to give you the best advice since they deal with this all the time.

Starynightsky24 · April 2015

sschwege said:

chavemann10 said:

victoriaaa1 said:
@beccs98 well don't you get a separate IV in your hand and the the epidural is what goes into your back ? Or are things changed ?

And yeah that is true that's why I'm not making a exact choice that's just what I'm going with for now cause by all means anything can happen

Do you mind telling me the negatives with no med birth from your opinion?
Usually the IV is there to keep you hydrated and in case of an emergency, they also do it to push antibiotics if you are sick or test positive for Strep. I personally wouldn't turn down the IV because of my own discomfort if it was there to help in case of an emergency. Me on the other hand, I have no choice. I am having my 4th c-section, and know going in I will have IV's with fluids (I can't eat/drink for 12hrs before) and will be receiving a spinal. But, the choice is yours alone to make!
Another option is to do a saline lock, so they have an open line but there is nothing going in. This way they have emergency access but it doesn't get in the way the way a running IV would, in case you want to walk or get in the bath. My hospital doesn't do saline locks or running IVs routinely, but if they did I would agree to a saline lock.

The negatives of a med-free birth would be different for everyone. I think the only negative for me is that I tore both times and had to get lidicaine (sp?) shots to numb me, I would imagine with an epi that wouldn't be necessary. Getting stitched up is not pleasant when you have gone med-free. I did ask them both times to numb me with liquid lidicaine before they gave me the shots, I think that helped.

This is very true. The stitching hurt. A lot. I was almost more uncomfortable from the stitches than from the contractions.

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