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Antenatal tests

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Original poster

Declining blood tests

9 replies

Rebab · 02/02/2021 10:35

I have a real phobia of needles and am working myself up about the booking blood tests. Looking at it, it's only to test for HIV, syphillis, rubella and Hepb, blood type and red blood count. I know I haven't got any of the viruses as I had the blood tests when I was pregnant with my last two and I haven't been with anyone else but my husband! And I know my blood type. I want to refuse the blood test will this cause a fuss?
Also do they still do a blood test at the 12 week scan?

OP posts:

Bleepers · 02/02/2021 11:40

They'll also do the blood test for the chromosomal abnormalities at 8 weeks.

OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 02/02/2021 11:45

You absolutely can decline, of course. However, screening for certain conditions for baby cannot be done without a blood test. If you want the screening perhaps consider asking if they can do your booking bloods at the same time as this.

There may be some impacts eg you would be reliant on symptoms for low iron. You may not be able to have an epidural without recent bloods as it works not be safe to do this without knowing your platelet levels. That sort of thing. But that's completely up to you, any screening offered is an offer not a requirement.

strawberriesontheNeva · 02/02/2021 12:32

You can decline but it would certainly be a good idea to know if your iron levels are okay.

strawberriesontheNeva · 02/02/2021 12:34

You also need a blood test if you want to get screened for certainly abnormalities at your 12 week scan .

strawberriesontheNeva · 02/02/2021 12:35

Sorry to keep commenting but if you have complications further along in the pregnancy you will need blood tests for both yours and baby's safety. It's probably worth facing this fear head on.

Babypug · 02/02/2021 12:40

I also have severe needle phobia. I can go into detail how bad it is but... I did the blood test. It wasn't easy or straightforward as in walking in and having it done but after all the faff I knew I had to for the sake of my baby. It wasn't about me and I had to take care of someone else.

Original poster

Rebab · 02/02/2021 13:42

I'll have the screening blood test but I don't think I will have the other two... Only to look for anemia which I have never had and I feel fine. It's not just a fear, I faint every time I have a test so think that's what I am anxious about.

OP posts:

OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 02/02/2021 14:00

So if you are going to have the screening test I would consider discussing with your midwife at booking having your booking bloods done at the scan as it will be one single needle and filling the blood bottles from there so no difference at all to you in terms of how many needles whether you are having 1 test or 5. So they can do the screening for Downs syndrome etc plus the routine booking bloods (group, antibodies, iron levels, blood disorders like sickle cell and thalassemia and infectious diseases) at that point.

Original poster

Rebab · 02/02/2021 14:58

Thanks that is a very good idea. I have got another 4 weeks until my over the phone booking appointment so hopefully I will be able to ask it then. I won't be as bad as my husband will be with me and they usually let me lay down in hospital to have the blood test so I can't faint.

OP posts:

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