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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Blood test at 28 weeks - is it really necessary?!

27 replies

Msbluesky32 · 15/01/2013 19:03

I'd be interested to hear about anyone who has felt compelled to refuse blood tests (or anything else). I'm 28 weeks pregnant and I had the routine bloods taken in the first trimester - all came back perfectly fine. The midwife has checked my wee at every visit, all has been fine. Why oh why do I need a blood test now? I asked and she told me it was to check blood sugar (which she is checking with the wee test anyway) and iron. She has written it big bold letters on my paperwork that I have to have this test before my next meeting in four weeks. I thought all tests we have are voluntary, not compulsory? I'm getting so annoyed with the attitude. I wouldn't mind but this is the third midwife I have met so far, what the deal?! Grumble grumble grumble...

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sundaesundae · 15/01/2013 19:06

Everything I had was fine until my 28 weeks bloods, turned out I was severely anaemic so I am now on huge amounts of iron. I hadn't realised, I just thought I was tired and run down due to being pregnant. If you don't get anaemia sorted out it can lead to post-partum heammorhage and death. Not something I fancy...

purrpurr · 15/01/2013 19:07

NHS Antenatal checks and tests includes the following:

'You don't have to have any tests'

Seems pretty straightforward to me.

TwitchyTail · 15/01/2013 20:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Iggly · 15/01/2013 20:05

Iron levels are the biggie. They can really drop even of you're fine now. They wouldn't do it if it's not important.

TwitchyTail · 15/01/2013 20:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

talulahbeige · 15/01/2013 20:12

Could also be a glucose tolerance test, worth having if they find you have gestational diabetes which only appears at around 28 weeks. It can cause your baby to be too big and all the risks that can entail. You don't have to be at risk of normal diabetes to get it, its to do with hormones

HermioneE · 15/01/2013 20:37

Ultimately the goal is to try and keep your health and your baby's at optimal levels. Why wouldn't you want it?

I could understand if it was something where you were worried about potential side effects or pros and cons, but what's the downside of a blood test??

orangetickle · 15/01/2013 20:40

I refused any blood testing for abnormalities, but I've had all the blood testing for conditions which I could have developed/could negatively affect the pregnancy. If they come back with a problem, then it can be solved, so why not?

Having said that, I get your frustration with having to have tests - but reckon it's worth it, just in case...

goodygumdrops · 15/01/2013 20:52

They also check to see if you have developed any antibodies which can be very very important. They don't offer the tests for fun you know, its more work for them after all! Thats said, they obviously are not compulsory. I also don't know why everyone worries so much about seeing the same midwife. Its just bp\wee\fundal height/bloods isn't it? Doesn't need to be same person doing it.

StormyBrid · 15/01/2013 21:01

Are you sure the wee tests you've had are for sugar? I made a comment to my midwife about sugar in my wee because of eating lots of cake the other day, and she said that actually, the stick she was dipping in there was checking for protein, not sugar. Not that that's really the point of what you're asking, I know.

BuntyCollocks · 16/01/2013 04:05

I refused all blood tests this time apart from haemoglobin and the bloods for the nt at 13 weeks. I'm a bugger to bleed, and getting loos from me usually involves either a lot of pain, haematoma, and numerous attempts, or a visit to a phlebotomist.

It was fine. No one gave a shiny brass fuck (apart from when I was in labour and presented the first time at hospital - my hgb level wasn't in my notes for some reason, and they wanted permission to draw blood if things became obstructed).

InPraiseofOldHouses · 16/01/2013 07:44

My last blood test (34 wks) showed my platlet count was low. They'll keep checking that it doesn't get too low because if it does there is a higher chance I'll need a blood transfusion in labour and an epidural might also not be an option. This is something well worth knowing in advance. Nhs is really not going to run tests without a reason, not least because there isn't spare cash knocking about. Of course you can say no thanks and you should be able to get an explanation of what they're for, but the tests can be seen as a fairly mild inconvenience that could help to prevent complications further down the road.

Missingthemincepies · 16/01/2013 07:53

Of course you can refuse any test you want. No one is going to strap yu down and force you!
BUT your op does suggest that it's not the test you're annoyed about but the expectation that you'll have it done and that you're being told it must be done.
The tests are important for your health and the baby's health. Unless you're needle phobic its really not a hardship and please don't refuse just because you're peeved about the way it's been asked. They aren't doing the tests for them, it's for YOU and your baby.

LubyLu2000 · 16/01/2013 07:56

The UK actually doesn't do blood tests as often as other countries - I'm in Italy and I've just done my last blood test and that was the 6th one (I think - lost count!). They check for loads of stuff, half of which I don't understand but includes glucose, signs of toxoplasmosis and a "coombes" test that is to do with me being a negative blood type. Funnily enough though I've never had my blood pressure checked which seems a bit strange - I assume it's cos any problems would show in the blood or urine.
But if you don't want it it's your choice.

Paradisefound · 16/01/2013 08:02

I had my 28 week blood tests, including simplified GTT yesterday. I was at the blood clinic for 10 mins. I can't imagine why you wouldn't want your health and your baby's health checked out.. These are important tests!

fuckadoodlepoopoo · 16/01/2013 08:07

Well fine, refuse the test and if you or your baby gets seriously ill because of something that then gets missed, you will know who to blame.

Waa waa waa, poor you having all those people looking after the health of you and your baby.

What a bloody winger!

Francagoestohollywood · 16/01/2013 08:09

As Luby said, the NHS usually doesn't offer tests/exams that aren't strictly needed.

(Luby, I had my first child in Italy, and they usually start to check blood pressure in the last 2 months of pg, in healthy pregnancies)

LubyLu2000 · 16/01/2013 08:12

Hi Franca - I'm well into the last 2 months but still not checked. I might ask the doctor why when I see him next week but it doesn't worry me cos they are pretty thorough with all their checks here - you'll know what Italians are like for their health! Although lets not talk about the post-natal care, that's a totally different ball game........

Sleepyfergus · 16/01/2013 08:12

Your OP makes you sound very whiney. I mean, its your potential health and that of your baby that you may be putting at risk but bit having it.

Unless you have a very good reason for not having it (medical reason, very severe fear of needles etc) then I think you are being really immature not having it. Get over yourself.

Sleepyfergus · 16/01/2013 08:23

By having it.

Francagoestohollywood · 16/01/2013 08:25

Luby, yes, post natal care is lacking here and I am not sure what it entails nowadays. Sadly, they have been closing down consultori for quite a few yrs. check out if there are any near where you live!
Also, babies are entitled to have an asl paediatrician, but I am sure you already know it!

Sorry for hijack!

worsestershiresauce · 16/01/2013 10:19

Ok so you are given free tests to safeguard your health and that of your baby. How bloody unreasonable. How very dare they. Grow up. Have the blood tests, or don't, but be grateful they are available and you are not stuck in a country where women still routinely die in child birth.

GreenElephants · 16/01/2013 10:20

All of my blood tests were fine until my 28 week tests when they found out i was anaemic so things can change.

CailinDana · 16/01/2013 10:24

Yes, those annoying midwives, being so concerned about you! I mean they clearly just do those tests to amuse themselves, I'm sure they all have a good giggle about it afterwards.

You're being weird.

Original poster

Msbluesky32 · 16/01/2013 13:44

I meet the MW at the doctors Im registered with and while Im sure they do have my best interests at heart Ive not had a great experience with them so far. I dont feel like I have had the opportunity to ask questions or advice, there is no time. Its only form filling and instructions.

When I said this was the third MW I'd met I should have explained that the last one I saw (a different one) said I could come in to the doctors to have the test. And yes I'm petrified of needles. I arrived at my appointment only to be told that I actually needed to have gone to the hospital to have it done (which is 20 mins by car away and not near a train station - so I cant get there easily myself). I was also told by the MW that the last MW I saw cant have possibly told me to come into the surgery (so Im basically a liar?) and that I had better have it done before the next appointment. What I was asking/getting at was - arent these all optional tests? Of course Im very grateful Im not in a country where women die of childbirth and I'd do anything to ensure the baby is ok.

Thanks to those who gave constructive comments and suggestions.

OP posts:

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