Unable to take bloods at booking in

[6strings1song]

Had my booking in appointment in the week and all went well...apart from that the midwife couldn't find a vein in my arms or hands. 😣 She was a bit unsure and just one attempt was made to take some on my left arm, but no luck. I drunk a pint of water before the appointment as well.

I'm now having to book into the phlebotomy clinic and appointments are scarce! Midwife advised that booking in bloods are done before 10 weeks and I am currently 9+2. Managed to get an appointment for exactly on the 10 week mark, but I hope this isn't going to be a theme throughout the pregnancy, as I know I will need bloods done again at the 12 week scan.

I have given blood in the past about 5 times and never had an issue. Also a couple of other occassions for medical reasons, even as a small child and no problems. Only had one other instance of "no veins" and this was giving blood for a research study, where two nurses were both prodding at my arms with confused faces. I guess 10 years ago was when I was last bled for any reason.

I am a bit bigger now than in the past (evidenced by the "weigh in" at the appointment), but that hasn't affected the crook of my arm or hands.

Anyone else had this or have any tips for improving veins? Or is this just because taking bloods is just a small part of the midwife's job and hopefully at the phlebotomy clinic I will have more luck?

@6strings1song
I have the same issues with blood tests. My veins are too deep and I often have 3-4 nurses try before they get a dribble.
It's genetics but to help, it's really good to have pints of water before the appointment and a warm compress on the arm whilst you wait for an appointment. Like a mini hot bottle xx

Oh and ask for a child's/butterfly needle instead. That makes a huge difference xx

MWs are generally pretty good at taking bloods. If you had veins that weren't easy in the past and have put on weight (even if it doesn't show in your elbows/hands) the veins may well be more tricky than they were. Or they may have just been having a bad day. There are other places they may be able to take bloods from, but it may be that the MW/phlebotomists might not be so happy doing those (but the obstetricians should be!) - eg. foot/ankle/top of leg.

Thinking a long way ahead, if it does become a theme during your pregnancy it may be worth considering having a cannula in when it comes to delivery so that in the event that you need a drip in an emergency they're not poking about looking for a vein in a hurry.

(re the suggestion above about using paed butterflies - the needles are the same size (diameter), that would be available for adult phlebotomy but the needles are shorter. Anectotally, have found the samples seem more likely to haemolyse using a blue needle than green. Some people (mainly older codgers like me) find using a butterfly easier, but others don't - I'd let them just to use whichever they're more comfortable with. Good luck with the phlebs!

I've lost count of the number of blood tests I've needed for this pregnancy - scheduled for every other week due to rhesus negative but also multiple anti-D, general bloods, iron... All sorts. And like you am incredibly difficult to get blood out of - deep veins that have a tendency to collapse. Drink lots and lots of water and do some gentle exercise (walking, take the stairs), keep your hands warm. Some have better luck taking blood from the hand. Sometimes they need to get an anesthetist to do it as everyone else fails! Just one of those things I'm afraid

I had this at one of my booking appointments, she even wrote on my notes that I was difficult to take bloods from. Every other person after that commented how good my veins were and had no issues. I had a lot of blood tests/infusions etc.

Maybe she was just having a bad day/not confident.