Number of Blood Tests Through Pregnancy

[Flumpy19]

Hi all,

I'm new to this so I'm very sorry if this is in the wrong part of the site etc.

I'm 10 weeks and 5 days pregnant with my first child and I was hoping someone might be able to let me know how many routine blood tests I could expect to have and, if possible, at what points through the pregnancy.

I've had a horrendous phobia of needles since a child which often results in convulsions, fainting and/or being sick. Attractive, I know!
I've been getting much braver with them and have already had 2 - my booking appointment one and an emergency follow up today as my iron levels seem low and they want to double check them.

I've noticed that I'm much better dealing with them if I have a longer amount of time process that it will happen and so, any help in anticipating when I will have routine ones wohld be most helpful.

Sorry about the essay, and thank you!

You have your initial bloods which check your iron levels and blood group and rhesus status and also for hiv, syphilis and hepatitis b

Second lot when you have your dating scan at 12 weeks, which is a screening test for Downs and Edwards
Patau’s

Then if you’re considered be at risk of it you’ll be invited for gtt test at 26 weeks which I find quite stressful as it’s a lot of sitting around waiting for bloods to be drawn twice.

I’m also needle phobic and tend to have fainting fits during bloods. I alway always let the phlebotomist know so they’re ready just in case & I take DP with me and a bottle of ice cold water, which helps.

Congratulations! I had blood taken at the booking appointment, GTT and 28 week bloods done on same day.
You don’t have to have a blood test at 12 week scan if you don’t want to, the combined screening is optional x

At booking, optional 12 weeks, 28 weeks and I think you get blood taken when you go into labour too. If there's anything not quite right on the blood tests they usually repeat it as you had with your iron levels.

Oh and don't forget the flu jab and whooping cough vaccine. Whooping cough is around 28 weeks, flu I think you book between Sept and March?

Thanks to all of you for your replies! You've put my mind at ease - I panicked that I may have to have bloods at every appointment!

It's been really helpful to know what I can expect regarding the blood test situation and I can prepare myself for what's to come! X

Also, thanks for the heads up on the flu and whooping cough vaccines! I'm glad they space them all out or I'd fear looking like a pin cushion x

Also don't forget that unless you opt for gas and air there's likely to be needles involved during labour