Refusing blood test during pregnancy?

Question

I was interested in know about anyone who has refused blood tests during pregnancy, i have a very bad fear of needles, i stress it very much over it and its bad enough where im shaking and hiperventilating, i cant eat or sleep, this has already cause me a m/c once before, so i was considering refusing the blood test if possible.

Answer 1

No, as a patient you have the right to refuse to any treatment that you don't feel comfortable with. However, many blood tests during pregnancy check not only your health but the health of your baby as well. Personally, I would rather suffer a little discomfort and know that all is good with my unborn baby. Trust me, if you go along with it, by the time your baby is born you will be used to it.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

They can't make you take a blood test. You have the right to refuse any procedure you wish. I refused the triple screen because it has a high instance of false positives, and if my baby had a severe genetic defect, I would still birth it anyway....so people can and do refuse blood tests all the time.

There are NO blood tests that "need" to be performed during pregnancy.

I will say though, if you are afraid of needles, don't give birth in a hospital. I would seriously consider researching and independent birthing center or a homebirth.

Good luck!

ETA:

Preeclampsia: Determined by blood pressure and urine screen, not a blood test.

Iron: Can be determined by an ear prick, which involves a lancet and is painless.

STD status: It's really not necessary that mom's must have this done, especially if you've been monogamous and had the blood test when you were married.

Diabetes: Tested from urine after a glucose drink.

RH factor: You likely have your + or - status in your files already. If you don't, it's a non issue if this is your first baby.

Tests for Defects: The triple screen test has a very high rate of false positives....a lot of doctors won't even recommend the test anymore. A lot of moms have this test early in their pregnancy so they can decide whether to continue the pregnancy. If you would carry the baby to term anyway, then there is no reason for the test. Genetic problems can also be determined by femur measurement and nuchial scans...both done by ultrasound.

So no, there is no "need" for any blood test. You aren't putting your baby in danger by refusing one. You aren't putting your health at risk and there is nothing a blood test can determine that is "life or death" at this point.

That being said...again. If you birth in the hospital, you will likely have IV's whether you tell them "no" or not. We told them no and they did it anyway. So if you really hate needles that much, a hospital birth might not be the best option for you.

Again, good luck!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

you can always refuse the tests--but they dont perform tests on you unless it's something that should be done to determine how your body is doing or how baby is.
you would want to know if you were anemic right? or if your body is producing too much sugar? or if the baby were to have some sort of problem?
they are all tests for the better of the baby.
Im sorry that you dont like needles, but some of the tests really need to be done.
do you think that maybe because you didnt get the blood tests done that caused your miscarriage? not the fact that you were stressed over needles?

--despite popular belief-it isnt stress that causes a miscarriage--it is something inside your body not ready/able to carry a child.
(you can do a google or whatever search for that and find it on any medical website)

some of the early on blood tests can determine risk for miscarriage by checking for different things in your blood, etc.

I hope you reconsider the tests-maybe you can have someone with you while they draw the blood?

Answer 6

I did the first inital blood test to make sure that I was healthy and that the HCG levels were normal. I didn't do the 2nd blood test where they screen for certain disorders, because I didn't care either way and a sonogram can tell you medically how the baby is doing. I did do the 3rd test where they look for gestational diabetes. You can choose not to have any blood test if you want. It's your choice. But know that giving birth is way more scary then having blood drawn. Also they take blood when you're in labor and they don't give you a choice, they just do it.

Answer 7

I refused all prenatal testing except measuring my fundal height and urine dips sticks. I can't even list the number of things I declined. I declined to be weighed, declined the pap, blood tests, diabetes screening, ultrasounds, etc, etc.

I declined them on the basis that they do not improve outcomes. I did a lot of research and I was comfortable about my decision. They only thing I think you do need to know is your blood type. You need to know if you are Rh- or not. You, however, do not need to know this until within 72 hours of birth AND technically speaking when they type your baby you only need to know your blood type if your baby is positive (I decline rhogam/winrho during pregnancy UNLESS there is trauma, as the difference it makes in preventing sensitization is minimal and I do not believe in receiving human blood products during pregnancy unless it is life or death). However this can be done with a finger prick on an ELDON card. You can do it yourself. You can buy ELDON cards. Also there is a decent chance if you've ever had blood work done your blood type is on file.

Do some research into what tests they want to run, and how important they are. Figure out which you think are worth it for you, and have them all done at the same time if possible.

E-mail me if you want.

Answer 8

How far along are you? I am trying to see what tests you are talking about. The first set of test where they draw blood are essential and I don't think you can refuse them because it checks for STD's and other things that may be a risk for you unborn child. Now I did not do the test where they stick the need in your stomach to check for birth defects. My baby is absolutely healthy. I didn't see the importance because it wasn't like I was going to abort my child in mid-pregnancy.

Answer 9

Unfortunately, having a child brings about many things that will make us worried and scared.
True, you can't be FORCED to have your blood drawn, but think of the possible complications that could come from NOT doing it? If you refuse ALL blood tests, that will include things like HIV testing, and Rh factor testing. The results of those tests could reveal serious life-threatening conditions for you and your baby. And in many cases, there are measures that can be taken to prevent serious complications during childbirth......BUT only if they know in advance!
You need to realize that by refusing all blood tests, you are seriously putting your child's and your health in danger.
Please reconsider.

Answer 10

Blood Work While Pregnant