I'm broody and want another baby but unsure I can go through with it.

[MrsSeanBean]

I know what I'm in for this time with the whole pregnancy thing. I hated being pregnant and was very sick. I hated all the midwife appts and blood tests. I am a very non-interventionist person but went along with it all as it was the first time and I wanted to do everything 'properly'.

Do you have to go and see the midwife every so often? Can't you just get on with life until due date? (Unless you feel ill, obviously.)
I hate the feeling that I am being entered into some kind of system from which there is no escape, and much as I want another baby it's really putting me off.

Also, I am very scared about the CS (I was told after DS born that future births would be CS). It's not the op as such that scares me, in fact I am quite glad it will be predictable, but I hated the needle going in the back of my hand, even though I was half spaced out and can't remember much. It really hurt and I am getting very worked up about next time, and I am not even pregnant yet! I hate needles and blood tests and have fainted in the past. Can you take gas and air while you have the needle put into your hand to 'space you out' a bit?

I am really worried next time I will be fully 'with it' and know what to expect in advance, whereas before it hust sort of happened and I didn't know in advance what it would be like

I have ongoing problems with one of my hands where they tried (and failed) to put a needle in last time, it's still numb, almost 2 years later.

The midwife appointments are for monitoring, speak to your GP and see if there is an alternative, the blood is the same I am not sure if it is a good idea to dodge them.

The needle in the hand thing, there is a numbing cream that can be used before inserting the needle to help mask the pain. I had mine put in when I was trying to deliver placenta so I didn't feel a thing.

If you are really that worried and it is putting you off trying, it might be worth popping to see your GP, for the answers that you seek and hopefully that will set your mind at rest.

Good luck

Yes I had some kind of numbing prior to needle insrtion but it still hurt A LOT! I could speak to the GP I suppose, but won't they think it odd as there is nothing wrong with me at present (ie I am not ill?)

I don't think so, I think if you say you are thinking of trying for a baby but you have these concerns, I can't see why they would think it odd tbh.

Other than that there may well be someone in the know on here.

Have you tried CBT for your feelings about needles and blood tests?

I absolutely hate needles although after 4 knee surgeries, three other surgical procedures, two instrumental deliveries (with epidurals), one 'normal' delivery and now having low thyroid and possibly diabetes, needles are sadly part of life.

Some therapy or hypnosis might help you.

I know what you mean, though, I actually have very small scars years on from failed attempts to put in cannulas and cannulas themselves.

How does CBT work expat? Does it work for everyone? How much? Assume not available on NHS? Thanks. (Will try anything, this fear is very debilitating.)

I am a registered hypnotherapist and I have no doubt that you would benefit from visiting a therapist. A combination of hypnotherapy and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)would not only help you to reduce if not eliminate the negative experiences that you have had but also help you to have a positive one this time instead.
Hypnotherapy can be extremely effective during pregnancy and delivery (natural and C section) and can help to make the whole experience from before conception to delivery positive and rewarding. Not only will you feel good and relaxed about the whole process the effects pass to your baby too!