The saline or heparin lock is a type of venous access. It is more commonly known as an IV or an intravenous catheter. Saline locks are routinely used for most women when they are admitted to the hospital in labor. Having this IV or saline lock in place allows for immediate access to your vein.
How does a Heplock work?
This medication is used to keep IV catheters open and flowing freely. Heparin helps to keep blood flowing smoothly and from clotting in the catheter by making a certain natural substance in your body (anti-clotting protein) work better. It is known as an anticoagulant.
What is an IV lock?
A saline lock is a thin, flexible tube placed in a vein in your hand or arm. It sticks out a few inches. The lock is used when you may need to get medicines through a vein (intravenous, or IV). The doctor or nurse puts the medicine through the lock and into your vein.
Can you deliver without IV?
However, an IV is not required for many people in labor. Despite the fact that a large number of hospitals and care providers (doctors and midwives) routinely order an IV for people in labor, it is only truly needed in certain cases. Use of an IV in labor and birth is an intervention in the normal process of birth.
How long is a Heplock good for?
After the saline lock is used, the cannula is flushed again with 3 to 5 ml of normal saline or heparin to “lock” the saline in the cannula in order to keep it patent. Once the saline lock is inserted, it can be left in a vein for up to 72 hours or as per agency policy.
Can I refuse Pitocin at the hospital?
Do I have to get Pitocin? The short answer is no. Pitocin is only for those patients that truly need labor augmentation, for various reasons, which we would first discuss together. I do not routinely use Pitocin, and no one is obligated to take Pitocin, even when it is indicated.
Does getting an IV hurt?
When an IV needle is placed, it can cause some slight discomfort. You may feel a small sting or pinch for a few seconds when the needle is inserted in your arm or hand. If you’re particularly sensitive to needles, you may want to ask for a numbing cream, so you don’t feel the needle when it goes in.
Should I get a saline IV lock during labor?
Talk to your doctor or midwife before your labor starts to clarify how they use saline IV locks and express your preferences. The benefit of a saline lock is that it provides immediate access in the case of emergency, but it really doesn’t get in your way during labor.
What is an IV HEP-lock in labor?
Many hospitals request that laboring moms have an IV placed during admission to the hospital. When people think of IVs, they often envision metallic IV poles with bags of fluid running through long mazes of tubing. IVs in labor are usually much more simplistic, and take the form of an IV hep-lock.
What is a saline lock and why might it be needed?
Here’s an overview of why it might be needed and what it feels like. The saline or heparin lock is a type of venous access. It is more commonly known as an IV or an intravenous catheter. Saline locks are routinely used for most women when they are admitted to the hospital in labor.
Can You Move Your arm with a saline lock?
This will be securely taped in place. You’ll be able to move your arm, and the IV should not cause any pain. A saline lock can be converted to a full-scale IV at any point, such as if a mother requests an epidural or is in need of IV medication or fluids.
