Issues getting blood while pregnant.

[EllieRosesMammy]

I'm almost 13 weeks and the midwife and phlebotamist couldnt get any blood at my booking app. Then yesterday at my scan a nurse and a doctor also couldnt get any blood off me. 6 needles now all for nothing. I'm not the biggest fan of having bloods done anyway but I don't mind when they actually manage to. I've always had awkward veins but never this bad! They're calling me back monday to try again, I waited 45 mins for the anethasist to come have a go yesterday but then got told he was too busy.

Anyone else have awkward veins and got some advice of what I can do to help make them better?

Being well hydrated will help a lot. Also try having a brisk walk beforehand as it will increase blood flow and dilate the vessels a bit to accommodate the increased demand for oxygen.

My veins like to hide too. They've been better since I took up weightlifting though due to increased demand from my muscles. Was butchered a couple of times at the blood donation centre because of how awkward they were before.

Be hydrated and eat a proper meal before you go in, if they’re not fasting bloods. And keep your arms really warm.
Also , I know it’s hard, but really try and relax.
Did they try the houseman’s veins in your wrists ? They’re my last desperate attempt place !

Thank you both! I drank plenty and ate before my appointments, didn't seem to help:( they havent tried my wrists yet, just the crease of my elbow, my hands and my forearm. Fed up and the longer they faff around for the more worked up i get :( x

Yes this is me. I tell them to get it from my wrist or hand. If they use a butterfly thing and put it lower than your arm gravity will draw it out of you. Advise them to do that next time xxx

I had this for a while - you can get those small heat pads for joints/hand warmers, I held one of those on my arm for about 10 mins before bloods and that seemed to do the trick

I drink loads but for some reason in pregnancy, I always have issues.
My 28 week bloods they ended up putting the needle in between my knuckles!

I had this! Before pregnancy I was a regular blood donor never having any issues getting blood from me. However my booking bloods and 12 week screening bloods were a nightmare. I had several different midwives attempt getting bloods from me. I put this down to being less hydrated during this time as I was quite sick. Recently had my 28 week bloods and they had no issues this time now the sickness has gone.

Not sure if your appt was in the hospital or at Dr surgery? I went to the phlebotomy dept at the hospital after MW couldn't get blood. They have different equipment and are used to taking blood from all sorts of people so never had an issue (except the 90 minute round trip to get there and back!)

@MrsB2019x

I had this for a while - you can get those small heat pads for joints/hand warmers, I held one of those on my arm for about 10 mins before bloods and that seemed to do the trick

Definitely this!

I present awful problems for the nurses! Seriously, these heat patches work a treat. 😁

I find im unable to give blood when my blood sugars are low. So maybe make sure you have something to eat before hand if its not a fasting blood test? Also I im cold I can't give blood as easy.

I'm awful for having blood taken. Type 1 diabetic for 18 years so it's not just pregnancy for me. Pp advice about drinking plenty and heat pads is great.
I have awful veins and really hate having blood taken. I buy emla cream from Superdrug, £5 a box and it numbs the skin. Means they can poke away until they get what they need and I don't feel a thing. I'm a total wimp and I know it but it decreases my anxiety over it and allows them to have a proper attempt without me being sick or passing out as has happened many times before.

I’m the same, I sit with a hot water bottle on for 15 minutes prior which brings my rubbish veins to the surface. Xx

Thanks ladies. I've been wondering also if I've got gestational diabetes, would this affect my veins? I've got all the symptoms of GD (constantly feel like I've licked a salt lamp no matter how much I drink, headaches, extremely tired etc). My BMI is above 30 too so I'll be tested for GD x

I hav type 1 diabetes and if my sugars are low I struggle to give blood. I always try to make sure I have something to eat before bloods taken unless it's a fasting blood.

Sugar, hydration and go in coat, hat and gloves it helps

This is me, last time it took 4 attempts but 6 is even worse, poor you! I normally don't mind needles but have started to dread them now after this pregnancy! I have been severely anaemic in this pregnancy so it could be that for you, not sure if it's related? The worst place for me is in the wrist it was so painful, I'm never letting them do that again!