Question about needles and pregnancy?

Question

Do you have to have needles in you alot when your pregnant(taking blood ect) I hate?
having my blood taken and I passed out completely last time they did it. I especially hate that they have to take it from inside my elbow instead of somewhere like my leg . I have a huge fear of it and I just want to know if they really take your blood that much in pregnancy or do anything else that involves needles(except epidural)

Answer 1

You have to get your blood taken a couple times during your pregnancy and usually an iv when your in labor.

Answer 2

Get over it. And I don't mean that to sound mean. But you have to do what you have to do to keep yourself and your baby safe, right? I have had cancer (6 needle sticks per treatment times 7 treatments plus bloodwork at checkups 2-4 times per year) several bloodtests during my first pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy (bloodwork every other day for 2 weeks, then weekly for 6 weeks) now I'm pregnant again and I've had bloodwork several times .... here's my advice: Drink plenty of water before your labs. Water plumps up your veins and makes bloodwork easier, as does being pregnant because you have more blood. Eat some sugar, have hard candies with you. And breathe. You probably passed out because you subconsciously held your breath. Breathe deeply.

And some phlebotomists have such a gentle touch you don't even know they've drawn blood until they are finished. Seriously.

Barring complications, you should only need bloodwork for the 3 hour glucose test (IF you "fail" the one hour test and even need the 3 hour test .... most women don't) so don't worry about it too much. But, if you do have to have bloodwork or other needles, just remember, you're doing it for your baby. His or her safety, and yours, is worth a needle stick or two, right?

Answer 3

Yes, you do. I think the norm consists of an STD check, a genetic screening for potential retardation, a blood type check and a blood test that checks for things like gestational diabetes or other illnesses that you may have that endanger your baby. Plus, usually at least 2 PAP smears (doesn't involve needles but can be uncomfortable). They took so much blood from me I didn't think I had any left! But, if you can conquer your needle fear, all the better.

Answer 4

They will take blood at the first visit to confirm the pregnancy and test for blood type etc. Unless you opt for the tri- or quad- screening for Down Syndrome, you shouldn't have to worry about more needle pokes until you go in to deliver, when you may get an IV and or epidural.

Answer 5

You normally have to have your blood taken at your first prenatal appointment and at about 4-5 months to test for Down Syndrome and again at 7 months to test for gestational diabetes. That is how they did mine. Also when you go to have the baby, you will get an IV to keep you hydrated and possibly give you pain medication. Of course, not all doctors are the same, but those are the general guidelines. Also, if you're ready to deal with pushing out a kid, then you can deal with a few needle sticks. Hope that helps. And Good Luck!

Answer 6

I'm sorry to say, but it's a part of keeping you and your baby safe. You will have your blood drawn a couple of times throughout your pregnancy.

Try having small and deep veins. I was going through fertility treatments last year and one of the nurses tried to draw blood from my arm. She poked me 7 times with no success. She was lucky that I am a very patient person. Other people would have been really upset!

Just think of it as being what's best for you and your baby. We all have to go through these sacrifices, but in the end, it'll all be worth it!

Good luck!

Answer 7

They take your blood about 5 times during pregnancy.

Answer 8

I developed a bit of hatred towards the things after being stuck with them all too often during pregnancy. I didn't have any problems with them before, but now I don't look forward to them at all. They are running all kinds of tests on you and your baby. They are necessary and you will be glad to have them once you start worrying that things may not be right (and you probably will). It's not fun, just bring someone with you to hold your hand. You'll get through it! Good Luck!

Answer 9

i am 33 weeks. i have had my blood taken 10 times. don't get freaked out my test were not route. normally they will do 2 blood test one to confirm pregnancy and test blood type and a few other thing thats all at one time, and the other is to test for sugar,

Answer 10

I had to give a lot of blood but they kept checking me for sugar and preeclampsia. I don't think they do if you have no health risk. I don't know about the epidural because i didn't have one. they do put an iv in that's is the worst part.