When admitted to the birthing center, is a Heparin/Saline lock required?

Question

How many of you have experience with this? I don't want any kind of needles used unless there is an emergency need for one (total needle phobic). Have any of you ever refused to have a heparin/saline lock or IV administered? What happens when you refuse one?

Any nurses on here that can explain their hospital's policy for me?

I don't want to hear "Get over it", I want to know just how much freedom I am given in a hospital.

Answer 1

The hospital I am going to requires at least a heparin lock in case of emergency. I'm deathly afraid of them too. I had surgery a few years back and almost passed out/decked the nurse giving it to me lol. I felt bad but I hate them. Just think about it like this: your baby will be there soon after you get it done and you will forget ALL about it. Its so worth it in the end.

Answer 2

You are allowed to refuse ANY medical procedure you want. You may get a bit of attitude from the doctors, but its your body and your right to refuse. If they do something to you against your will... its assault!

Answer 3

In the hospital that I am delivering at it is required, just in case something happens and they have to administer meds in an emergency! I asked the same question at my lamaze class 3 days ago! Hope this helps!

Answer 4

It varies by hospital/birthing center, so to find out for sure call your practitioner.

However, you are free to say no to any medical procedure, whether it's related to giving birth or anytime you go to the hospital.  If you do not want this sort of medical management you can say no although the staff may give you some grief.  If they want to give you an IV or anything else that you aren't sure about, I would recommend asking four questions:

1) Why is this necessary?

2) What are the advantages and disadvantages?

3) Are there other alternatives?

4) What if I say no?

If you feel that you won't be listened to, try to find another provider soon!

Answer 5

policies vary. If you are low risk you can refuse one. there is usually no need for an IV during a normal unmedicated delivery. emergencies happen and the nurses are trained to get an IV in quickly when necesary. I had a hep lock with 2 of my deliveries but that was because I was doing a VBAC(vaginal birth after cesarean). The hospital didn't require the hep lock for non VBAC moms.

  put it in your birth plan that you do not want any IV/locks. regardless of hospital policy they can't force you into it. they might have you sign a waiver or something.

Answer 6

I am a nurse and worked in high risk Ob before my daughter was born.  The reason for a hep lock is to have IV access in case of emergency.  In the unlikely event that you started to bleed heavily and needed blood products or fluids, it would be very difficult at that point to start a line.  It really is precautionary.  They may never use it or they may simply run some saline through to keep you hydrated.  At times, the baby needs the extra fluid as well.  

If you are scared of needles, you can ask that they numb your hand (or whatever site they use) ahead of time.  There are a couple of ways to do that.  One is a very small shot (feels like a tiny sting).  The other is something they rub on that numbs the area which makes putting the hep lock in much easier on you.

You have every right to refuse it, but in my honest, professional opinion, I think it's best that you let them put it in.  It's really not that bad and can be a life saver in the event of an unforeseen emergency.

Best of luck!!