THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD DECLINE IN LABOR

by Katy Iengo

10/24/2023

Number 1 of things you didn’t know you could decline in labor: THE I/V! (Aka hep lock or saline lock)

In most hospitals, a hep lock is standard procedure for all birthing people. It is not necessarily attached to an I/V, unless medically necessary.

PROS - easy access to veins for medications, some potentially life saving. Won’t have to place the I/V in a moment of high stress. Peace of mind.

CONS - Can limit range of motion, can be uncomfortable, can cause fewer conversations around informed consent in times of urgency, can be triggering of medical anxiety.

WHAT TO ASK - I would like to know my options around having a saline lock in labor. Is it possible to delay putting it in until medically necessary? What conversations will we have that will inform me of it’s need in the moment? What are my different options for where it can be placed. What will the plan be if one cannot be placed?

You might be perfectly comfortable declining the hep lock, and that’s totally fine! But it’s good to know that you have options.