Hi all, just wondered if anyone can offer any advise. At 43 I am very much a late comer into this world of pregnancy, and was quite surprised to find myself pregnant after several years not using contraception. Quick lowdown, I sadly miscarried in April, 18' (9 weeks), but it gave me an opportunity to look into CBT which I have been doing for since May for my needle phobia, and now am pregnant again at 11 weeks. I found myself reading threads and taking a quick crash course in what to expect back in February, and found myself drawn to the dates on when I would needed to give blood and have injections. I became so stressed, I couldn't see past this hurdle. This time around, I decided to pay privately for the Harmony Test which means still giving bloods, but infinitely more accurate and may mean I dont' need to have amnio or CVS ( which quite frankly not sure I could go though), especially since it is based on what seems more guess work and risk factors (under NHS), and elements beyond my control. FYI, I have a good BMI, exercise regularly and eat very healthily, with the occasional binge on chocolate and dropped caffine soon after I was pregnant. My 1st appointment with the MW yesterday went well, and she understood my concerns and agreed to give me the 4 vials that the NHS screening program require, so that when they took bloods at the Private Harmony Test (this morning) they would also draw for these too. I ended up taking the nhs vials to hospital lab myself, a bit of a faf, but at least I know they were there, and less risk of having to go through the process again. My CBT sessions, (which turns out my phobia is more to do with the piercing of the skin) had given me a plan to deal with the taking of blood (1st time I have ever given blood), but whilst I got through it, the plan went straight out the window, I was having inner screaming panic attacks and shook head to toe during the drawing of blood. Some 8 hours later, I am still feeling, weak, stressed, tearful and generally not as excited as I should be given it was my 1st scan (also done this morning) and all looks positive. The worst is that now all I can think about is the next time I have to give bloods week 28, and seriously not sure I can go through with it, yet alone the various injections which so far I have rejected wanting to have ie, flu, whooping cough and Vitamin K (hubby resus negative). I am yet to see the dr. specialist regarding my stats on giving birth and what that entails, but find myself at a loss, and stressed again, which up to last night I felt had dealt with much better calmer manner. Anyone who can give advise please, please do let me know. If you have gone though or going through a similar fear, I would welcome the support and assistance anyone can give me. I know how grateful I should be, but feeling petrified, and like CBT has sadly not assisted me in my hour of need.
Newbies' corner
Dealing with Needle Phobia and being pregnant for the 1st time
FEH1001 · 12/09/2018 18:58
You probably know this but every time you think of the needles, think of at least 5 things that you are looking forward to.
Have you thought of doing some meditation or guided meditation? I use an app and it’s helped to reduce my negative thoughts.
I’d also have a look to see if there are any PG Yoga classes nearby.
If you have time off in the week, it’s alao worth going along to La Leche League, NCT Groups or Bfing Support Groups, you don’t have to wait until LO arrives. It will help you to meet some local Mums and Mums to Be and hopefully help you to realise that needles are a very small part of motherhood 
Firstly congratulations and welcome to MN . Have you found the ante-natal club for whe you are due? (Hope that’s the right one). The Pregnancy Section is pretty good too.
I’m sorry I can’t help with the needle phobia. It does sound awful. Are yiu able to go back to your Therapist?
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