Help with coping with Blood tests

[Roseflower]

This Friday I am due my first midwife appointment which I am looking forward too - minus the blood test part.

I can't say I've always been to keen on blood tests they have always made me 'cringe' and I could never look, but during my last pregnancy I had really unpleasant experiences when hospitalised which has put me off a lot more.

My dh, bless him insits he wants to come to the appoitment.However he has a full blown phobia of blood to the point he has sezuires in the past (but not for some years).
But Im worried about him too which doesnt help!

I dont want this worry to over shadow everything.

Neither of us want to let our fears interfere with doing the best thing for baby and want to still get the test.Im really hoping people can but this into perspective, give us some positive ways to think about it, maybe even humour to help to try and see the test as less serious and intense. We need courage and postive thoughts!

Thank you in advance

Tell the MW upfront - they should be used to this, and sometimes they'll go and find the person in the practice/clinic who's renowned to be the best at getting blood (fond memories of Pauline the phlebotomist). If you know there's a vein that works best and quickest, tell the MW.

In the room, find a spot to look at away from the arm in question, try counting tiles or something, or go through times tables in your head. Make sure you're lying comfortably and relax your arm, and remember to breathe!

Perhaps you and dh could think of a word game or something to do while it's happening to distract each other and make each other laugh, and the one who wins gets to pick the post-test treat. You, of course, will then be able to renege on this as you are Wounded and have a Plaster to Prove It.

Good luck!

You don't have to have the midwife take blood - I am really bad at it and have had it done at the specialist blood test clinic thing at the local hospital. The people there do blood tests all the time so are really good.

Yes, that's true, and phlebotomists are amazing at taking blood - it's a whole different experience.

I am the worst for needles and blood, I can't stand the sight of either of them. I work myself up everytime and start feeling ill. But while I've been pregnant I have found that having my partner next to me talking to me makes it seem quicker.

I do know how you feel, I never look at the needle anymore and have found it does help. It also helps if the nurse/midwife is friendly!

Hello there. I can say first that you need to mention it to the MW or the phelbotomist. I worked in the private healthcare sector I was training as a phelbotomist it was werid as I had never done it before but all the staff offer thier arms and you have to pass a test first. I worked in a lab most of the time and helped out with phelbotomy. I can say from having blood tests and having to take blood the phelbotomist/MW should make it comfortable. Heres a check list for you to think about before you even go in.

1. Tell the MW/phelbotomist that your not good at having your blood taken and can faint (even if you dont).

2. They might then ask you to lay down on the bed so your more comfortable and can relax (also if you faint your already laying down).

3. Distraction whilst having your blood taken is good so if your other half thinks he can do this great but if he faints you dont want to be worrying about him. Look away and think about something in the room anything really to try and take your mind off it.

4. If at any stage you feel unwell or not good let them know. They might be able to help you get thorough it dont clam up if you cam help it say how you feel.

If you feel the person who is about to take the blood is a bit off or not very friendly still tell them you have a history of fainting and not good with blood/needles. NEVER feel you cant say this to someone its your body and its a real fear. Most people I know who do this are lovley. I used to do finger pricks as well for old people and children under 5 its horrible as some people were very worried about this too. I used to relax them by quick chat and ask them about things say "sharp scratch" and it was over. You used to feel people tense up and some used to tap thier feet on the floor and close thier eyes knowing what was coming! You not alone and dont worry too much. I used to not like having blood taken, but have a thyroid problem so had to have them done quite often. I then used to offer my arm to other people wanting to train it does not bother me now. I have had my finger pricked for people training as well just so you know I dont just dish it out Good luck and make sure you say when you go in before they even start.

As someone who can take blood I wouldn't want your DP in the room with me. It's bad enough trying to take blood on someone who isn't keen to begin with, let alone trying to cope with her OH who has fainted.

I suggest he sit outside when you have it done. Have a chat with the person drawing blood about unrelated subjects, the weather, any holidays booked, your DC and focus at another point in the room (a computer, clock, other person, poster on the wall)

if its any consultation, im absolutely terrible with needles (which is laughable, as i have piercings and tattoos) and 9 times out of ten i will pass out.

my personal advice is:

1. ALWAYS make sure you have eaten and slept well the night before, you should never go to the midwife on an empty stomach/dehydrated/tired if your gonna have bloods done.so make sure your all fed, watered and rested if possible. you will be amazed at the world of difference it will make.

2.make sure, above all else that you inform your midwife at the start and tell her youll only do your bloods laying down. one midwife was rather mean and ignored me and had me sit in the chair, she regretted that when i promptly passed out!. there's a practical reason for this too. when you pass out, it dosnt necessarily mean youll go all floppy and relaxed. I actually tense up instead, which is no good when theres a needle in your arm.

1. when you do lay down on the bed, lay slightly to one side, rather than flat on your back, best tip from a nurse ever.try to keep talking and be positive about it, even if your scared!

1. after the blood is taken, make sure you take your time before getting up, and ask for some water if you feel you need it.

i hope this helps, as for the blood shy partner, all i can suggest is you leave him outside to avoid stressing you both out :)

Thank you everyone for youir tips. I really appreciate it.Im glad Im not the only one was doesn't relish the thought! I like the thought of playing a game to distract me and having a reward planned for after (though right now that reward will probably just be sleep!)

I am very much in two minds if dh should be there or not...

Ask for a black tipped or narrow bore needle. It takes a bit longer to get the blood out but hurts less when they put it in. I hated blood tests because they hurt but then the phlebotomist told me to aks for a narrow bore needle and refuse the green tipped ones and it has made all the difference.

I know exactly where you're coming from. I hate needles and this is the part of pregnancy that I really was dreading.

I am very prone to fainting and always ask to lie down and for them NOT to tell me what they're doing. I literally try and zone out while it's being done - close my eyes, breathe deeply and concentrate on something else. I also make sure I stay lying down for a couple of minutes afterwards.

I told my midwife about my 'issues' from the very beginning, and she's been fine with it.

My husband is, thankfully, very good with this kind of thing. But if he weren't, to be honest, I don't think I'd want him in there while they're doing the test - I'd be worrying about him as well as me.

I don't relish the tests now, but they have got a bit easier now that I have my 'routine'. I pysch myself up in advance and get them over and done with.

I'm now almost 34 weeks and bloody proud of myself for all the poking and prodding I've endured!