Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Antenatal tests

Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Flip

Original poster

Tricky veins! Any advice?

7 replies

DLB22 · 17/10/2021 19:01

I have always had quite tricky veins and nurses always struggle to take bloods. My midwife just about managed a few weeks and got a dribble. Today I went for a NIPT and the nurse couldn't get any blood at all. She said it was their policy only to try twice! I'm going back tomorrow but as the clinic is over an hour away I don't want to have to go back a third time! I have already paid £400 for this test so I'm pretty desperate for it to work tomorrow!! I don't know how many chances they will give me... Has anyone else had problems with veins? And do you have any tips on getting them to play ball!!! The nurse said to be really hydrated but I had drunk a litre of water on the way. I'm not over weight (53kg 161.m) and have normal blood pressure if that makes a difference! Thanks x

OP posts:

Bagelsandbrie · 17/10/2021 19:06

Sit with your arms in a bucket of warm water.

Try a foot vein.

? No idea if they will help but I have difficulties too and these help!

checkedroses · 17/10/2021 19:07

I have awful veins and especially if I’m cold and dehydrated it can take multiple goes- unfortunately I also need lots of medical procedures! Agree drink plenty and I’d take something warm-eg hot water bottle / heat pad and wrap up really warm for the trip, try not to get too cold between car and clinic if you can. Good luck!

Original poster

DLB22 · 17/10/2021 19:29

Thanks! I might take a hot water bottle in the car!

OP posts:

Hetty0 · 17/10/2021 19:36

Ask them to try a vein on the side of your arm where your watch strap goes. (Not under your wrist!)

TankGirl97 · 17/10/2021 19:45

I agree, drink loads and make sure you're warm.
I always mentioned it to the midwife who would just send me straight to the experts rather than trying herself.
Good luck with it.

toadstool32 · 17/10/2021 20:28

Mine collapse under the skin. They use butterfly needles (kids size!)

Dipsydoodlenoodle · 18/10/2021 09:57

I have poor veins too.

The midwives listened to me (needle phobia) and tried poking several places to find a good vein before going in with a needle.

The nurses have successfully found a big juicy canula vein in my wrist; so sort of between my thumb joint at my wrist joint. They do use the little butterfly needles. 100% success getting blood since then (ok, only 3 times) but I've always been terrible before that.

Flip