EMLA cream

[Valand123]

I was just wondering if anyone has experiences of using EMLA cream during pregnancy or labour! I have used it for blood tests previously but am interested to hear if anyone found it worked for injections or cannulas?

I've used them on blood tests not for injections or cannulas but this pregnancy I have had more than my fair share of injections and cannulas due to hospital admissions cause of HG and they dont really hurt. I had a massive needle phobia but no longer have it as I was having cannulas and blood taken nearly every day for 5 months and injections as well. Currently 32 +4 weeks so haven't had my little one yet so no experience on the labour side of it.

My mum has a severe needle phobia due to a traumatic 6mths in hospital and almost every vein collapsing. She didnt use it during pregnancy, but has used it for blood tests, vaccines, cannulas and clexane (in the stomach) injections ever since. I used it having a belly piercing years ago and honestly felt nothing! You can buy online or from a large chemist. Either the small tubes and seperate adhesive dressings, or the patch type where you just peel the backing paper off.

It is safe to use in pregnancy. The key to it working is to put it on for long enough - an hour minimum

You could also try cold spray.

It was fine for injections but often it was pointless for cannulas because I would sit for an hour with the cream in one place, and the they would have to try somewhere else to get a vein. Which added to the trauma of it all.