There are many reasons why an IV might be used in labor and birth. For low risk mothers, an IV might be used if you are having an induction or epidural anesthesia. A high risk mother might be requested to use one for a just in case manner.
You can still get up and move around with an IV. You simply need to request a pole that has wheels. This means that you can maintain your mobility and still assume comfortable labor positions.
Alternatives to an IV include oral hydration by eating ice chips or by a normal diet or special labor diet of clear liquids and light foods.
