I am pregnant and have to do the 3 hour glucose test. What's the best way to get through it?

Question

I know what's involved with the test, I just faint almost every time I have blood drawn and am worried about being stuck 4 times on an empty stomach. Need some positive tips for getting through it!

Answer 1

At the hospital where I used to work, one of the lab workers with years of experience had a trick for queasy patients when she drew blood.

She would have them close their eyes and count backwards from 1000 (harder than from 100). The person would then have their mind engaged on something else.

If that didn't work, the lab tech would ask the patient to tell her their best story - funniest moment, most embarassing, etc. - with their eyes closed.

Did the same thing - Got their mind off the needle and the stick.

Somewhere during the counting or within the story, she would put the needle in.

Answer 2

I hope this helps, with both my boys I had one and I just like you I hate needles. So I kept telling myself that this discomfort was for the health of my baby and I can take any pain if it means it is for my child. This sounds like your first child because that test becomes very small in the list of things to come, my second was much easier because everything is relative- But for me it helped to tell the person that I really hate needles so could you talk to me or not what ever makes you feel better. I like to talk through it, seems to go faster that way. Also my test were just 2 sticks one before and one after- Good Luck!

Answer 3

If you have a real problem with needles, ask them to put in an IV catheter and leave it in until your test is over. That way, they can just draw blood from the plug and not have to re-poke you over and over. Bring a book or something to do to entertain yourself. The good news is is that the liquid they make you drink isn't as disgusting as it used to be. It was like drinking Sunkist Orange Soda. Not too bad at all.

Answer 4

I think the book idea is great. If you get tired of reading the book it is a good idea to have some music with you. If you have a really great friend that wouldn't mind sitting with you to chat that makes the time go by so fast. I also recommend if it is nice out side, tell the nurses you would like to sit out side and to come get you there. It seems to help pass the time as well.

Answer 5

When I had to do that, I stayed up very late the night before. That way, on the morning on the test, I was too exhausted to worry much about the needles. The good news is that the needles are very thin, and they won't prick you in the same place every time. The bad news is that both arms will have to be pricked. Good luck!

Answer 6

i had to do that same test but it was only an hr..the only advice for you is the same thing i did...when they are drawing blood look at the pictures on the walls...think of other things..most of the time when ppl take their mind off of whats being done..it seems to go quicker..good luck

Answer 7

i did the glucose test but they only got stuck once!!(maybe because i have impossible veins to find!) but i had to have it done twice (because of twins) and both times i was only stuck once...
my word of advice because i get queasy as well...DO NOT LOOK! At any of it..her preparing your arm ...drawing blood..anything..thats how i got through it

Answer 8

everybody has their own way of getting over it.when i was in college we had to draw blood on each other(med school) the first time someone went to draw blood on me i almost threw up and passed out! i got over it BY LOOKING.

Answer 9

i brought a good book with me and just tried to keep my mind off it! good luck!