Don't seem to be giving up any blood!?

[Sho1988]

First visit with the midwife so everything is still all new and shiny lol but when she went to do my bloods, 8 needles and 3 MWs later and not even a drop!! I've had them in my arms, back of my hands and at one point in the side of my hands. I don't have a needle phobia so it's not really bothered me but for some reason my veins decided to snake inside and not bother to come out!? Just wondering if it's common!?

[crazylady2013]

I have this problem too. However, I have never sat through that many people. trying to take blood out of me . If they miss the first time I have to go back another day as I begin to go all strange. I find it is best if I get done first thing in the morning after a good breakfast. Good luck next time .

[5madthings]

I have this problem too, every pregnancy was a pita, they normally managed to get it ou the bsck of m hand but at ome poimt were trying from my ankles, dont let them do thst, it hurts!

You will maybe need a specialsit phlebotomist2 to take your blood, I did and it meant a specific app at the hospital each time.

[5madthings]

Makw sure you are hydrated and warm, that will help.

[Waggamamma]

I have this issue too, if the mw can't get any after a few tries she usually sends me too the phlebotomist (sp?) though. I don't mind needles either but they say it's not fair to keep trying.

[GuineaPigGaiters]

I have this, whether I'm pregnant or not. Back of the hand is usually the easiest place, and I find if I walk briskly (easier in the first trimester than later!) to the doctors and wash my hands in very warm water just before I go in then that helps. We have a brilliant phlebotomist at our surgery who gets me first time every time, before her is as always pincushion woman. (And, it seems, a challenge! Every new MW I met I told I had an issue with finding a vein and every one pronounced 'oh I'LL get one, don't you worry' they all failed. :o

[CoolCat2014]

I've had this issue in the past advice is to drink lots of fluids before, and I've found it helps. Still the vien in my left arm is often tricksy and they have to do the other arm instead!

[Boogles91]

Yeeh its common lol my reasons are because ive had so much intravenous treatment all my life my veins are just useless....but our lil man seems to be helping by making them visible and not collapsing at the mo :) i cant stand it when they collapse its so bladdy painful >.< like you i ent bothered by it but i get aches in them every now and again think its nerve damage tbh x

[Sho1988]

Thanks for all the messages! I think I will ask for a phlebotomist!my MW did check see if i was warm and had drank which I was/had I guess I just wasn't playing ball. Never had much blood taken in the past but when it I have it's never been an issue! I'll try hot water as well! They are defiantly not going near the ankles I can't stand people touching them because of the bones! X

[FamiliesShareGerms]

Same here - I only gave up enough blood to have the pregnancy specific tests done, not the HIV etc ones done

[Sareva]

yep - another one who has this problem, but the phlebotomists in the blood test room in my hospital get it first time every time, so I ask for a slip to take to them instead.

[Sho1988]

Thanks ladies!! It's appriciated! I think they are going to arrange for a phlebotomist on Monday.. I have an early scan booked due to light bleeds but hopefully all goes well and they find a vien willing to bleed!! X

[mewkins]

Yes I have this problem when a nurse or midwife tries to do it. Go to your hospital phlebotomy dept and they do it painlessly in about 10 seconds.