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Original poster

Scared I will collapse at midwife appointment

20 replies

whathappensattheappointment · 09/10/2023 17:36

Ok dramatic title

Due for 16 week appointment with midwife. First was at about 8 weeks ay my home, did blood pressure and smoke detector thing

Then I went to the hospital for scan at 12 weeks, urine and blood test.

The issue was I collapsed when I had the blood test. So embarrassing i flat out hit the floor and had to lay there for gosh knows how long and was dizzy for ages. Luckily DH was there to drive me home...... I felt terrible for hours afterwards and threw up several times

The problem now is ..

Due for 16 week appointment tomorrow at the GP surgery with the same midwife who came to my home. What will happen? Will I need to take urine or can I do it there? And my big worry will I have a blood test as I have to go in my own with my toddler as DH in work. It's too far to walk and if I collapse again I won't be able to drive. Anyone know will I have bloods taken tomorrow?

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LavenderSweetPea · 09/10/2023 17:42

I don't think I had any more bloods taken at 16 weeks. Even if they want to take some you are perfectly within your right to say no.

fedupandstuck · 09/10/2023 17:42

Do you have paper notes at all? Mine had a list of all the possible appointments and what they were for.

As I recall, but it's been a while, they will probably discuss the results of your previous blood test, do a urine test and BP and talk about the 20 week scan. If you haven't got a urine sample I'm sure they'll have the facilities for you to do it there. So I don't think they'd usually be doing another blood test at this appointment.

Please do tell you midwife about your reaction to blood tests and ask to be told well in advance of any future ones. You can also ask about what the next appointment is for. Don't be afraid to take written notes yourself if it would help you.

Frazzledandfried · 09/10/2023 17:45

IIRC you don't have bloods again til 28 weeks. Drink plenty of water before you go, and make sure you have something proper to eat. Let them know you are a fainter, and make sure you are lying down while they take your blood and for a good few minutes after. Then sit up slowly and have a good glass of water and sit for a couple minutes before you get up and you should do much better.

MrsJ6921 · 09/10/2023 17:45

My 16 week appointment was over within 5 minutes. She tested my urine, took blood pressure and asked me if I had any questions and that was it. You have a blood test at your 27/28 week appointment though.

Sunshineclouds11 · 09/10/2023 17:46

No bloods at 16weeks.
Take a urine sample with you.

My 16w consisted of;
Urine sample
Doppler
Blood pressure
Questions

BEO · 09/10/2023 17:55

I had bloods at my 16 week app because I am A negative bloody group so bloods were taken to see what blood group baby is. So you may need bloods taken if you also have a negative bloody group

MrsHsGirl · 09/10/2023 18:19

Yep no more bloods until 28 weeks now. Just urine and the oxygen thing and then feel of the bump and heartbeat when you're far enough along

gotmychristmasmiracle · 09/10/2023 18:26

I passed out once when having blood test once, it was really early on the morning so hadn't eaten anything and I wasn't even pregnant 🤦‍♀️ so make sure you have something to eat before hand and lay down whilst having it done. The nurse was really lovely and picked me up and gave me a chocolate bar to eat and some water. I now always ask to lie down when having it taken just in case 🥴

INeedNewShoes · 09/10/2023 18:35

I read up on this at some point. Apparently some people faint because they hold their breath in anticipation. I wonder if you'd be ok if you make sure you had plenty to eat and drink and make a conscious effort to keep breathing!

yarnwitch · 09/10/2023 18:40

I used to faint at blood tests. I told the midwife and she let me lay down on the treatment bed. I'm sure they will help you if you let them know. Make sure you lay down for as long as you can afterwards too, sometimes the fainting can be delayed and catch you out! Sit up slowly and take a sugary drink with you.

Mumof1andacat · 09/10/2023 18:42

I can only remember 2 sets of blood tests. One at booking in and 1 at my 12-week scan.

VegMam · 09/10/2023 18:43

I’m a fainter. As others have said make sure you’ve eaten before you go, lie down for the blood test and don’t sit up until you feel ready. Take something sugary for after.

Even if you faint I can’t see why you couldn’t drive once you feel better? Just give yourself time and have something to eat before driving.

RedRobyn2021 · 09/10/2023 18:54

Just don't have any more bloods, it's not compulsory x

Lightningrain · 09/10/2023 19:00

I’ve gone dizzy the odd time (most likely would have fainted if I’d stood up) and I was told to ask to lie down in future and make sure I’d eaten and had plenty of water beforehand.

Touch wood I’ve been ok since and last time there was no bed but I was fine sat up. I always take some jelly babies or other sweets with me and have a couple before I go in as well. As others have said make sure you’re breathing (take some deep breaths).

Straightomyhead · 09/10/2023 19:22

I understand your fears, despite giving blood many times, I fainted at my 11 week ish appointment when my blood was taken. I woke up for 3 midwife's surrounding me.

Since then I have asked to lay down whenever I have had blood tests. All nurses and midwife's are happy and only takes an extra few minutes to sit up and leave.

This is such a simple thing to change and means you are much less likely to feel lightheaded. Don't be embarrassed by asking either.

Original poster

whathappensattheappointment · 09/10/2023 19:34

Thank you everyone I will do the above advice. I just can't believe I fainted it has not happened before and I think I was breathing as I was chatting to the lady taking my blood and then next thing I woke up on the floor. I will be making a pit stop on the way for some jelly babies for any future blood tests

To the poster about why I can't drive when I feel better I was just thinking about last time I was dizzy and sick for hours and it's not a quick 5 minute drive back home. Bit worried about having my toddler panicking and waiting in the GP for hours if I have a repeat of last time. But I see why you asked that.

OP posts:

ActDottie · 09/10/2023 19:53

I’m 26 weeks and definitely didn’t have bloods taken at my 16 week appointment.

Think I did a urine sample and then got asked lots more questions and then we listened to babies heart beat.

Original poster

whathappensattheappointment · 11/10/2023 17:51

Hi everyone just a quick update there was no bloods at 16 weeks as many of you said so all that worry for nothing. Thank you all though

OP posts:

Coco9910 · 11/10/2023 18:59

Like others have said, don’t hesitate to ask to lie down for the blood test in the future. I ask if I can lie down for all injections and blood tests as I get so worried about fainting 😅

CrispAppleStrudels · 11/10/2023 19:49

@whathappensattheappointment glad you got it sorted. One tip from me - i faint every time i have blood taken from the crook of my arm but have stopped fainting ever since i started to ask for it to be taken from my hand. It's slightly more painful but i prefer that to fainting. No idea why its the case but maybe something to ask about / look into for future?

Like a pp, i do have bloods taken at 16w as i am rhesus negative, but glad that doesnt apply to you :)

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