Is IV Therapy Safe During Pregnancy? What Expecting Mothers Should Know
- February 3, 2023
- Written by : Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS
Key Takeaways
- IV therapy during pregnancy may support hydration, electrolyte balance, and nutrient repletion, but it is not a replacement for prenatal care.
- Always consult your OB-GYN or prenatal care provider before considering IV therapy during pregnancy.
- IV therapy may help with dehydration from morning sickness and mild hyperemesis gravidarum, but severe cases often require hospital-based care.
- “Liquid IV” (the retail electrolyte powder) is not the same as clinical IV therapy delivered through a vein.
- Not every ingredient or IV formulation is safe during pregnancy. Contraindicated therapies include high-dose vitamin C, NAD+, chelation, mistletoe, and ozone.
- IV Elements offers personalized pregnancy IV support at four flagship NJ lounges and via mobile across NJ, NYC, Philadelphia, and Bucks County, PA.
Important Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your OB-GYN or prenatal care provider before starting IV therapy during pregnancy.
Can You Get IV Therapy During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can, but pregnancy changes how IV therapy should be approached. IV therapy during pregnancy should first be discussed and considered with your prenatal provider rather than treated as a routine wellness service. IV fluids are used in medical care when a pregnant person becomes dehydrated from persistent nausea and vomiting. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that people with severe nausea and vomiting, hyperemesis gravidarum, and headaches can benefit from IV fluids and vitamins. While IV therapy can be beneficial for pregnant people, this does not mean every vitamin, mineral, medication, or IV formulation is appropriate during pregnancy. IV therapy also does not replace a prenatal vitamin, balanced nutrition, prescribed medications, or evaluation of an underlying pregnancy complication. IV therapy for pregnant women is designed to supplement standard prenatal care, not replace it.Is IV Therapy Safe During Pregnancy?
Generally speaking, IV therapy can be safe during pregnancy, but that varies from person to person and depends on several factors including fluid volume, ingredients, medications, medical history, and the reason the treatment is being given. Consulting your prenatal provider can help determine if you’re a good candidate for IV hydration during pregnancy and whether any ingredients or medications are a good fit for you. Our team can also review safety protocols such as medication review and allergy screening to ensure IV therapy is safe for you. As with any treatment during pregnancy, it’s important to consider the possible impacts IV therapy may have on the developing fetus. One research group set out to explore if there was any correlation between infusion treatments in pregnant women and congenital abnormalities in their babies. The study, supported by the National Library of Medicine, ultimately found that infusion treatments did not correlate with any congenital abnormalities in newborns.Can IV Therapy Help With Morning Sickness?
IV fluids may help with dehydration caused by pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, but they do not treat the underlying cause of morning sickness. According to March of Dimes, at least 70% of pregnant women experience morning sickness during the first trimester, with symptoms commonly beginning around six weeks. Morning sickness is common and can usually begin during early pregnancy stages and can happen during any time of the day. The immediate concern with persistent vomiting is often hydration. At IV Elements, an ER-trained nurse reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications, and hydration needs before treatment, and helps decide which option is best suited for you. When IV for morning sickness is appropriate and has been discussed with your prenatal care provider, our team can help personalize your plan and monitor you during the infusion.Have you discussed IV therapy with your OB-GYN?
Can IV Therapy Help Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
Severe cases of Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) may require hospital-based treatment. However, less severe cases of HG may benefit from IV fluid treatment. HG is a more severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting that can lead to significant dehydration, weight loss, and difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition and fluid intake. Cleveland Clinic provides additional guidance on HG symptoms and treatment approaches. IV fluids are designed to help specifically with issues such as significant dehydration, as these fluids bypass the digestive system and deliver hydration directly into the bloodstream. Depending on an individual and what is a good fit for them, fluids can include selected electrolytes, vitamins, or other appropriate ingredients. Contact your OB-GYN promptly if you are experiencing:- Inability to keep liquids down
- Very little or unusually dark urine
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or significant weakness
- A racing heartbeat
- Significant or ongoing weight loss
What’s In a Pregnancy IV Drip?
Since there is no single universal pregnancy IV drip that is appropriate for every mother, customizing an infusion to each client’s needs is the best option. Ingredients are chosen and selected based on symptoms, medical history, medications, nutritional needs, prenatal care guidance, and lab work if needed. IV Elements’ pregnancy IV includes vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin C, Methyl B12, Folic Acid, and 500cc of fluid. The purpose of the IV depends on what you are experiencing, as the IV can then be customized and tailored to address those symptoms.Common Pregnancy Symptoms and IV Support Options
Pregnancy symptoms can have different causes, so the appropriate IV approach depends on what you are experiencing and why it is happening. The table below provides a general overview of how IV hydration and selected nutrients may relate to common pregnancy concerns.| Symptom | IV Ingredients | Trimester Most Common | May Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Sickness/Nausea | IV fluids, electrolytes, B-complex vitamins, Zofran if appropriate | First trimester | Hydration when vomiting |
| Dehydration | IV fluids with electrolytes, B-complex vitamins | Any trimester | Fluid replacement |
| Fatigue | IV fluids, B-complex vitamins, B12 may be considered | First and third trimesters are common | Hydration when dehydrated |
| Electrolyte Imbalance | IV fluids and electrolytes, B-complex vitamins, selected nutrients | Any trimester | Restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance |
| Hyperemesis Gravidarum | IV fluids and electrolytes, B-complex vitamins, selected nutrients | Often begins early | Rehydration as part of medical management |
| Nutrient Depletion | Folic acid, calcium gluconate, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin B12 | Any trimester | Nutritional support |
Safe vs. Not Recommended IV Ingredients During Pregnancy
Not every IV ingredient is appropriate during pregnancy. Knowing what is generally considered safe versus contraindicated can help you have a more informed conversation with your prenatal care provider.| Ingredient | Status During Pregnancy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saline / Electrolytes | Generally safe | Standard rehydration under medical supervision |
| B-Complex Vitamins | Generally safe | Supports energy and nervous system function, OB-coordinated |
| Low-Dose Vitamin C | Generally safe | Routine immune and antioxidant support at low doses |
| Magnesium | Safe with monitoring | Requires provider assessment, used for specific indications |
| Folic Acid | Generally safe | Important nutrient during pregnancy |
| Zofran (Ondansetron) | Prescription only, under medical oversight | Prescribed by OB-GYN when appropriate for significant nausea |
| High-Dose Vitamin C | NOT recommended | Insufficient safety data at therapeutic doses during pregnancy |
| NAD+ | NOT recommended | Insufficient safety data during pregnancy |
| Chelation Therapy | CONTRAINDICATED | Not safe during pregnancy |
| Mistletoe Therapy | CONTRAINDICATED | Not safe during pregnancy |
| Ozone Therapies | CONTRAINDICATED | Not safe during pregnancy |
How Often Can I Get IV Therapy While Pregnant?
How often you can receive IV therapy during pregnancy depends on why you need it and whether you can maintain hydration between treatments. Someone experiencing a single episode of dehydration has very different needs from someone who is repeatedly vomiting and unable to keep fluids down. If you repeatedly need fluids because you cannot stay hydrated, discuss that pattern with your OB-GYN.Can I Get IV Therapy at Home While Pregnant?
Yes, mobile IV therapy can be an option during pregnancy if deemed appropriate for you. IV Elements offers mobile IV therapy services throughout New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia, and Bucks County, PA. An ER-trained nurse can come to your home or another appropriate location if you are eligible for IV therapy while pregnant. Mobile treatment can be useful when nausea, fatigue, or dehydration makes traveling difficult, so selecting mobile IV therapy can be a practical way to receive the care you need.What’s the Difference Between Liquid IV and Clinical IV Therapy?
Liquid IV and clinical IV therapy are two different forms of hydration. Liquid IV is a retail electrolyte powder that is mixed with water and consumed daily. Clinical IV therapy delivers fluids directly into a vein through an IV catheter under the supervision of a healthcare professional, which also typically requires a review of health history, any symptoms, medications, and health goals before setting up. Since clinical IV therapy bypasses the gastrointestinal tract entirely, unlike Liquid IV, the fluids do not have to pass through the stomach and intestines before entering circulation. That distinction can be particularly relevant during pregnancy when nausea or vomiting makes it difficult to keep liquids down. An oral electrolyte drink can only replace fluids if you are able to drink it and retain it, while IV fluids are delivered directly into the bloodstream.Discuss Your Pregnancy IV Options With IV Elements
If pregnancy-related nausea, vomiting, or dehydration is making it difficult to stay hydrated, IV hydration may provide an option for you. Speak with your OB-GYN first, then contact the IV Elements team to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and available pregnancy IV options. Founded in March 2019 by Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS, IV Elements combines ER-trained nursing with integrative medicine credentials. Rebecca is PAAM-certified in mistletoe therapy, trained in Germany at Helixor, Abnoba, Filderklinik, and Klinik Öschelbronn, and is a member of SIO (Society for Integrative Oncology), IFM (Institute for Functional Medicine), and PAAM. She is currently enrolled in Dr. Nasha Winter’s Practitioner Master Course. Every pregnancy IV plan at IV Elements is personalized through consultation and coordinated with the client’s prenatal care provider.This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your OB-GYN or prenatal care provider before starting IV therapy during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get IV therapy in my first trimester?↓
IV therapy may be appropriate during the first trimester in certain circumstances, particularly when dehydration from persistent nausea and vomiting makes it difficult to keep fluids down. The specific IV ingredients and medications should be reviewed and treatment should be coordinated with your OB-GYN.
Is Zofran safe during pregnancy?↓
Zofran is sometimes prescribed during pregnancy to manage significant nausea and vomiting. Research has not established that it is completely risk-free, so the potential benefits and risks should be discussed with your OB-GYN before use.
How quickly will I feel better after a pregnancy IV?↓
Some people may notice improvement in symptoms during or shortly after an IV infusion, particularly when dehydration is contributing to nausea, weakness, or dizziness. How quickly you feel better depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms, how dehydrated you are, and what treatment is provided.
Can my OB-GYN send a prescription for IV therapy?↓
Your OB-GYN may recommend or prescribe IV fluids when medically appropriate, particularly when pregnancy-related vomiting or other conditions make oral hydration difficult. Whether a prescription is required depends on the treatment, provider, and clinical circumstances.
Who should NOT get IV therapy during pregnancy?↓
IV therapy may not be appropriate for everyone during pregnancy. Certain heart or kidney conditions, fluid-balance problems, allergies, medication considerations, or pregnancy complications may require additional evaluation before treatment. Your medical history, current medications, symptoms, and pregnancy status will be reviewed before an infusion is given.
References
1. American Pregnancy Association. Morning Sickness Remedies. 2. National Library of Medicine. Evaluation of maternal infusion therapy during pregnancy for fetal development. 3. National Library of Medicine. Intravenous Ondansetron in Pregnancy and Risk of Congenital Malformations. 4. March of Dimes. Morning Sickness. 5. Cleveland Clinic. Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Severe Nausea & Vomiting During Pregnancy). 6. National Library of Medicine. Influence of progressive fluid restriction on mood and physiological markers of dehydration in women. 7. MDedge Internal Medicine News. ACOG: IV regimen safely resolved acute headache in pregnancy. 8. Women’s Health. Stages of Pregnancy. 9. National Library of Medicine. The Science Behind Intravenous Vitamin Therapy.
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