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A hep-lock was mandatory in my hospital, it was inserted into my hand. It pinched going in, but I was glad I had it!

My birth plan was to go naturally for as long as possible. The hospital required me to have an IV in as soon as I was admitted. I didn't mind the needle, but I hated being hooked up without actually needing it in the beginning.

@MrsBrewer: They like to have it there in case there's an emergency, so they don't have to take the time to find a vein and prick you.

i think by the time you get to labor your fear of needles would have calmed down a bit considering how much blood work you have to do during pregnancy. I started out being terrified of needles and now I dont even flinch when they mention that more blood work is needed.
On the flip side you dont have to hooked to an IV unless you are taking meds such as the antibiotics for those who have Strep etc. I know people who had hospital births and were free to walk around and werent hooked up to anything.. I hope to do the same

IV's provide access for you to get fluids intravenously during labor. It will keep you hydrated. As a heplock, it will provide doctors and nurses with quick access to give you medications should you need them (a huge benefit in case of an emergency). If you get a heplock, you aren't tied to anything unless you need to be. If you have fluids running and want to walk, you could walk around while the fluids are hanging on a pole that you would push with you as you walk (or your partner can help with this). You will need an IV if you get an epidural or a CSection. I would advise that if this problem with IVs is huge enough, that you try to labor at home as much as possible before going to the hospital. Or find a birthing center that has more flexible policies re: IV fluids during labor. Talk with your doc or midwife about it, of course too.

ETA: sorry I repeated lots of the replies that were already given! I also wanted to tell you that if the fear is about needles alone, know that the only use a needle to insert the IV. Once it's in place, the needle is retracted and thrown out. Think of the IV as just a small plastic tube.. That's all it is really! Hope that helps!!

@MrsBrewer: I was pretty much limited to staying in bed, and I absolutely hated it. If I could do it all over again I would have requested for them to delay it until absolutely necessary.

I had a terrible fear of needles prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy you get over it. I used to be a sobbing mess, but now as long as I don't look, I'm fine.

My hospital required a heparin lock to be put in once I was admitted- not hooked up to fluids, but they could quickly if there was an emergency.

Once I decided to get the epidural, they required a liter of fluids to be given before they could give the epidural. The nurse was squeezing the bag to get it in as quickly as possible since I was in so much pain.

They put a really thick IV needle in my arm early on. I still have a little scar 11 months later! I was too distracted by everything else that was going on to feel the pain though. Not sure what the IV was for, but I'm guessing it was to keep me hydrated. I also got some pain meds through my IV before asking for my epidural.

@MrsBrewer: Your veins will be much easier to get when you are pregnant because of the increased blood flow.

Just one other IV experience to share: I had to be induced since i went pasr my due date so i got set up with the iv for the pitocin and fluids when i got there. However, i was still able to move around with the pole like someone described above, so i walked the halls and spent some time on the birth ball too. So you getting the IV doesnt mean you cant move during labor.

Doctors/RNs help me understand something. Why do American hospitals ban laboring women from eating and drinking (other than ice chips), but then insist that they have IV fluids? (Other than the whole aspiration argument which is EXTREMELY unlikely) It just seems like silly extra intervention... am I missing something? I'd much rather get fluids by drinking them than by having them pumped into me.

I was very afraid of getting the IV too but my OB told me I would be required to get the hep lock when I got to the hospital and that I should labor at home as long as possible. I did that and was in transition when I got the hospital and was given my hep lock and I don't even remember feeling it I was so focused on my contractions. Try not to let it scare you.