In this episode, I explore the latest evidence on the use of saline locks!
A saline lock – sometimes called a “hep-lock” in reference to how it used to be used – is an intravenous (IV) catheter that is threaded into a peripheral vein, flushed with saline, and then capped off for later use. Nurses use saline locks to have easy access to the vein for potential injections. They can be useful in administering drugs as needed, and in the event of emergency surgery.
What is the latest research on the use of saline locks in labor and delivery? What is the evidence for the saline lock in someone who wants an un-medicated birth or wants to avoid medical interventions as much as possible? Should a saline lock be in place “just in case” it may be needed? I’ll cover the evidence on this topic, along with the risks and benefits.
For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.
RESOURCES:
Bailey, J. M., C. Bell, R. Zielenski (2019). “Timing and outcomes of an indication-only use of intravenous cannulation during spontaneous labor.” J Midwifery Womens Health 00:1-7.
Bateman, B. T., M. F. Berman, et al. (2010). “The epidemiology of postpartum hemorrhage in a large, nationwide sample of deliveries.” Anesthesia and analgesia 110(5): 1368-1373.
Maki, D. G., D. M. Kluger, et al. (2006). “The risk of bloodstream infection in adults with different intravascular devices: a systematic review of 200 published prospective studies.” Mayo Clin Proc 81(9): 1159-1171.
Newton, N., M. Newton, et al. (1988). “Psychologic, physical, nutritional, and technologic aspects of intravenous infusion during labor.” Birth 15(2): 67-72.
Rickard, C. M., D. McCann, et al. (2010). “Routine resite of peripheral intravenous devices every 3 days did not reduce complications compared with clinically indicated resite: a randomised controlled trial.” BMC Med 8: 53.
Want evidence on more topics? Access all of the Evidence Based Birth Signature Articles at our blog.
Listening to this podcast is an Australian College of Midwives CPD Recognised Activity.




Stay empowered, read more :
EBB 259 – Cross-Cultural Experiences in Childbirth with Ruth Greene, Doula and Co-owner of Having a Baby in China Consulting Services
Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our podcast: iTunes | Stitcher In this episode, we're going to talk with Ruth Greene, birth doula, Evidence Based Birth Pro Member, and Co-owner of Having a Baby in China Consulting Services, about the challenges of giving birth...
EBB 185 – The History of Narrative Medicine and Childbirth with Tyler Jean Dukes
Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our podcast: iTunes | Stitcher On today’s podcast, we will be talking with Tyler Jean Dukes, my doctoral fellow intern. Tyler (she/her) is a doctoral candidate and graduate instructor at Texas Christian University. Over this...
EBB 184 – How Research Evidence is Carried Out with EBB Founder Dr. Rebecca Dekker
Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our podcast: iTunes | Stitcher On today's podcast, we talk about how to evaluate clinical research and how it is actually carried out. We are currently in the midst of a free 30-day trial of the EBB Pro Membership, and this...