Pregnancy brings a host of physical changes and challenges — from morning sickness and fatigue to increased nutritional demands and dehydration. It is no surprise that some expectant mothers look to IV therapy as a way to address these symptoms quickly and effectively. However, pregnancy also introduces important safety considerations that make this topic more nuanced than IV therapy for the general population. This guide covers what is known, what is safe, and what requires caution.
Medical IV Therapy During Pregnancy
First, an important distinction: IV therapy is routinely used in medical settings during pregnancy, and has been for decades. Obstetricians and emergency physicians commonly administer IV fluids and medications to pregnant women for specific medical indications, including:
- Hyperemesis gravidarum — Severe morning sickness that leads to significant dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances. IV fluids and anti-nausea medications are a standard treatment for this condition, which affects approximately 1 to 3 percent of pregnancies.
- Dehydration — Whether from illness, inadequate fluid intake, or hot weather, dehydration during pregnancy can be dangerous. IV saline is a safe and effective treatment administered regularly in hospitals and urgent care settings.
- Iron infusions — Iron-deficiency anemia is common during pregnancy. When oral iron supplements cause intolerable GI side effects or fail to raise iron levels adequately, IV iron infusions prescribed by a physician are a well-established alternative.
- Labor and delivery — IV access is standard during labor for fluid administration and medication delivery.
These medical uses are well supported by evidence and performed under direct physician supervision. They are not controversial.
Wellness IV Therapy During Pregnancy: A More Complex Question
The more complex question is whether the elective wellness IV drips offered at IV bars and by mobile providers — the vitamin cocktails, beauty drips, and immune support formulas — are appropriate during pregnancy. The answer requires careful consideration.
Concerns with Wellness Drips During Pregnancy
Most wellness IV therapy providers formulate their drips for the general adult population, not specifically for pregnant women. Several ingredients commonly found in standard IV cocktails raise safety questions during pregnancy:
- High-dose vitamin A — Excessive vitamin A intake during pregnancy is associated with birth defects. While most IV drips do not contain vitamin A, some wellness formulas may include it.
- Herbal or proprietary blends — Some providers use proprietary ingredient blends that may not be fully disclosed. Certain herbal compounds are contraindicated during pregnancy.
- High-dose single nutrients — Megadoses of individual vitamins or minerals can have different effects during pregnancy than in non-pregnant individuals. Even nutrients that are generally safe — like vitamin C — may pose risks at very high IV doses during pregnancy.
- Glutathione — While glutathione is naturally present in the body, high-dose IV glutathione has not been specifically studied for safety during pregnancy.
- Medications — Some IV cocktails include anti-nausea or anti-inflammatory medications. Not all of these are safe during pregnancy, and the specific medication matters.
What Is Generally Considered Safe
Basic IV hydration with normal saline is widely considered safe during pregnancy and is used routinely in medical settings. IV fluids containing standard electrolytes are also generally safe. However, even these should ideally be administered with awareness of the pregnancy and any related conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or kidney issues that could affect fluid balance.
Some practitioners offer pregnancy-specific IV formulas that contain only ingredients deemed safe for expectant mothers — typically saline, B vitamins at moderate doses, and electrolytes. These formulas are specifically designed to avoid anything that could pose a risk.
Essential Precautions
If you are pregnant and considering IV therapy, the following precautions are non-negotiable:
- Consult your OB-GYN first — Before receiving any elective IV treatment during pregnancy, discuss it with your obstetrician. They know your specific health situation and can advise on what is appropriate.
- Disclose your pregnancy to the provider — Any reputable IV therapy provider will ask about pregnancy during their medical intake. If they do not ask, that is a red flag. Never receive IV therapy from a provider who is unaware you are pregnant.
- Request a full ingredient list — Know exactly what is going into your body. Do not accept vague descriptions like "vitamin blend" or "wellness cocktail." You need specific ingredients and doses.
- Avoid high-dose protocols — Stick to moderate, well-established formulations. This is not the time for experimental megadose infusions.
- Choose experienced providers — Look for providers who have specific experience working with pregnant patients or who operate under OB-GYN medical direction. Our guide on how to choose an IV therapy provider covers what credentials and practices to look for.
When IV Therapy Makes Sense During Pregnancy
The clearest use case for IV therapy during pregnancy is medically indicated treatment for dehydration or nutrient deficiency — particularly hyperemesis gravidarum, dehydration from illness, or iron-deficiency anemia. In these situations, IV therapy is not just safe but medically appropriate and often necessary.
Elective wellness IV drips during pregnancy fall into a gray area. Some pregnant women benefit from hydration and B-vitamin support, especially during the first trimester when nausea makes it difficult to eat and drink normally. But the burden of proof for safety is higher during pregnancy, and the safest approach is to work with your physician and a qualified IV therapy provider who understands the unique considerations of prenatal care.
Cost Considerations
Medical IV therapy for pregnancy-related conditions (hyperemesis, anemia) may be covered by insurance when prescribed by a physician and administered at a medical facility. Elective wellness IV therapy during pregnancy is typically not covered by insurance and follows standard IV therapy pricing — generally $100 to $300 per session depending on the treatment.
If you are looking for a provider experienced with pregnancy-related IV therapy, browse providers in your area and contact them directly to ask about their experience treating pregnant patients.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any IV therapy treatment.