Stupid panic attack about having a drip put in

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Its the only thing I'm dreading as I'm fairly certain I'll be induced again

Last time a doctor came and told me she wanted to take some blood but said nothing about putting the drip in she just did it. It hurt so much that over 6 years later I still worry about it every time I think about having this baby. It hurt all the way through labour having it in my hand. I can't remember really labour hurt or not (assume it did), can't remember anything much except that terrible pain from that needle and I'm dreading it happening again Its such a stupid thing to get upset about but I'm sitting here panicing about something that's not even likely to happen for 14 weeks.

I'm crap

If you are really worried there is a gel that they use for kids. My ds had it on his hands in case he needed a cannula for a drip and it numbs the area so it's less painful. Might be worth an ask. Saying that you may not need one either :-)

If it is really causing you anxiety, you could try hypnotherapy. They can sort out that kind of thing in a couple of sessions.

Hello, I'm the same, I don't think it's silly - it bloody hurts! I always ask for Emla cream - goes on 20 mins before and numbs the skin. The last time I went in and needed it, the MW said they didn't have any, and I was a grown woman - I had to nag to get it, but DID get it. Mention this to your MW and perhaps get some before you go. Good luck

Its not stupid. If you do need to be induced, or suspect that you'll get the drip if your labour is slow, then make sure your care givers know that you found the experience last time to be very painful and uncomfortable and that it has been making you anxious during this pregnancy.

I don't know if there are other options available in those circumstances other than the drip, but even if there aren't, you should be able to get them to talk it through with you, about what circumstances it may be necessary in, ask for your consent immediately before it is done and go over pain relief options with you if the sensation is too intense again (have heard women on mumsnet say that they refused consent until the epidural was in place/ready...).

Did they tell you why you needed the drip last time?

*had assumed it was for sythetic oxytocin, apologies if it was for fluids. You should still be able to talk to your midwife about the options though, in terms of alternatives to being on a drip, or pain relief if it is necessary.

Emla cream really doesn't work that well, it just numbs the top few layers of skin, the needle still needs to get into your vein.

The doctor will inject you first using a tiny needle with local anaesthetic before putting the IV line in. It's better to ask for the freezing spray then Emla cream.

Yes it was for oxytocin though the doctor did not explain that, it was left to the midwife an hour later to tell me why it had been put in.

I can still see the scar from where doctor put it in :(

Thank you for the suggestions. I am seeing midwife on monday so will acquaint her with my feelings on the subject then

Absolutely insist on an injection of lignocaine local anaesthetic first. It will sting a little but no where near as bad as having a grey cannula. It is protocol to use it in obstetrics were I work but many , if not most, doctors don't bother.
I have had a grey (the biggest) cannualae both with and without lignocaine and without is bloody painful. I ALWAYS use it now but most of my colleagues don't.
Be brave and insist.
Good luck!

I just wanted to say that I think I totally understand how you feel, I'm only 16 weeks and have had a needle phobia for a long time, even bloods terrify me.

I just wanted to say that I find EMLA very good (or there's Amitop - which I haven't tried) use it for all bloods and would recommend it, it helps psyhcologically too IMO as I feel a lot calmer and more OK about it -would not let them near me otherwise. You could always take your own - just buy it from chemist, I've done it loads of times, no questions asked. I would without a doubt. They can sod off otherwise :)

Also, just to add they do put it in wrong sometimes (never had one - hope never have to, but so I hear) so if your in pain, always worth mentioning it as they may not have it in right place. Although I understand not wanting them to do it again, so it's a difficult one.....

you can ask your GP for a pescription for EMLA (mine gave me some) and take it with you ;)