fear of blood tests

Isobelhh · Jul 12th, 2009, 10:49 AM

Hi everyone

I'm an extremely squeamish person and am quite petrified of the blood tests I'll be having in a few weeks time when I see the midwife. Everytime I've had one previously I've either fainted or nearly fainted, which resulted in me bruising more and feeling rather sick too. How long does it take for the blood to be taken? My husband wonders how I'm going to cope with labour when it eventually comes to that... and although I know how painful and hard labour is, it doesn't bother me as much because it's natural. When the blood is being taken from an arm, it isn't... does anyone else experience this.. I know how daft it sounds lol but I've heard that they take bloods for so many things. eck.

Celesse · Jul 12th, 2009, 10:55 AM

Make sure you tell the person who is taking your bloods that you have a genuine needle phobia and are prone to fainting. That way they can make sure they get a good vein first time. Also if you can be lying down while the bloods are being taken and looking away it may make it easier.

Good luck.

Seity · Jul 12th, 2009, 11:16 AM

Lying down and looking away is good. Especially if there is something to look at/read to distract you from what's going on.

QTPie · Jul 12th, 2009, 11:34 AM

Not silly at all.

Tell the person who takes the blood how you feel - so they are warned and can reassure you.

I don't think anyone likes having blood taken, but it has to be done and you get used to it the more it is done (don't like it any more, but worry a bit less).

I had my blood taken by the midwife a couple of weeks ago and she was VERY good at it. Could barely feel a thing (just a little prick) and she took three tubes VERY quickly. Never look when they take it (not that there is anything to worry about, but it would freak most people out).

So explain how you feel to the person who is doing the test, but be strong and get through it. You can do it

QT

katieeandbump · Jul 12th, 2009, 11:39 AM

yep hun i have the exact same thing! i almost fainted having mine i told her i was a fainter and she missed my effin vein the 1st time then was twiddling it around urghh!! i had my oh next to me stroking my head i think they do 4 little bottles! im like u same about the labour doesnt bother me atall its just the blood tests but luckily u dont need any more after 10 weeks until ur 28

so goodluck! the more u worry the more likely ul faint when u get in just relax and breathe

and also if ur right handed go for the left arm or vise versa

sum reason makes it easier good luck xxx

miss_geordie · Jul 12th, 2009, 12:07 PM

I am exactly the dsame i have a severe needle phobia for which iv been to counciling and hypnotherapy. i have a blood disorder too (typical) and i was offered a transfusion as my blood count is low but i couldnt go through with it. pre-warn the nurses first and just try and rtelax - i know its easier said than done tho.
it really doesnt take long at all, and i know it doesnt hurt (thats not the reaon im phobic) but i know you probably know all this already but it doesnt take away the fear. good luck xx

Seity · Jul 12th, 2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miss_geordie

and I know it doesn't hurt (that's not the reason I'm phobic) but I know you probably know all this already but it doesn't take away the fear. good luck xx

This is so true. I have a phone phobia. I know my fear is totally irrational and there's no reason for it, but it's there anyway. I actually drove to the OB to make my first appointment rather than call.

loulou1979 · Jul 12th, 2009, 13:14 PM

Hi honey. I am totally the same, up until Thursday I have passed out every single time I've had bloods taken. I warned the nurse last week about how I get and she had me lay down and looking away. Other than a slight scratch I didn't feel a thing and it was all over in less than 60 seconds. She told me not to move at all for a good 5 mins after and I was fine, no dizziness! I felt very proud of myself in the end! I had a few issues shall we say last week and the thought of my little bean and its welfare kept me focused. I'll be keeping that in mind with every future test they need to do! Good luck xxx

Jul 12th, 2009, 10:49 AM	#1
Isobelhh Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 232	fear of blood tests Hi everyone I'm an extremely squeamish person and am quite petrified of the blood tests I'll be having in a few weeks time when I see the midwife. Everytime I've had one previously I've either fainted or nearly fainted, which resulted in me bruising more and feeling rather sick too. How long does it take for the blood to be taken? My husband wonders how I'm going to cope with labour when it eventually comes to that... and although I know how painful and hard labour is, it doesn't bother me as much because it's natural. When the blood is being taken from an arm, it isn't... does anyone else experience this.. I know how daft it sounds lol but I've heard that they take bloods for so many things. eck.

Status: Offline

Jul 12th, 2009, 10:55 AM	#2
Celesse Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: North East UK Posts: 5,497	Make sure you tell the person who is taking your bloods that you have a genuine needle phobia and are prone to fainting. That way they can make sure they get a good vein first time. Also if you can be lying down while the bloods are being taken and looking away it may make it easier. Good luck.

Status: Offline

Jul 12th, 2009, 11:16 AM	#3
Seity Other BnB Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 12,807	Lying down and looking away is good. Especially if there is something to look at/read to distract you from what's going on.

Status: Offline

Jul 12th, 2009, 11:34 AM	#4
QTPie Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4,465	Not silly at all. Tell the person who takes the blood how you feel - so they are warned and can reassure you. I don't think anyone likes having blood taken, but it has to be done and you get used to it the more it is done (don't like it any more, but worry a bit less). I had my blood taken by the midwife a couple of weeks ago and she was VERY good at it. Could barely feel a thing (just a little prick) and she took three tubes VERY quickly. Never look when they take it (not that there is anything to worry about, but it would freak most people out). So explain how you feel to the person who is doing the test, but be strong and get through it. You can do it QT

Status: Offline

Jul 12th, 2009, 11:39 AM	#5
katieeandbump Mum (Mom) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1,428	yep hun i have the exact same thing! i almost fainted having mine i told her i was a fainter and she missed my effin vein the 1st time then was twiddling it around urghh!! i had my oh next to me stroking my head i think they do 4 little bottles! im like u same about the labour doesnt bother me atall its just the blood tests but luckily u dont need any more after 10 weeks until ur 28 so goodluck! the more u worry the more likely ul faint when u get in just relax and breathe and also if ur right handed go for the left arm or vise versa sum reason makes it easier good luck xxx

Status: Offline

Jul 12th, 2009, 12:07 PM	#6
miss_geordie Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Co. Durham - England Posts: 281	I am exactly the dsame i have a severe needle phobia for which iv been to counciling and hypnotherapy. i have a blood disorder too (typical) and i was offered a transfusion as my blood count is low but i couldnt go through with it. pre-warn the nurses first and just try and rtelax - i know its easier said than done tho. it really doesnt take long at all, and i know it doesnt hurt (thats not the reaon im phobic) but i know you probably know all this already but it doesnt take away the fear. good luck xx

Status: Offline

Jul 12th, 2009, 13:14 PM	#8
loulou1979 Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 654	Hi honey. I am totally the same, up until Thursday I have passed out every single time I've had bloods taken. I warned the nurse last week about how I get and she had me lay down and looking away. Other than a slight scratch I didn't feel a thing and it was all over in less than 60 seconds. She told me not to move at all for a good 5 mins after and I was fine, no dizziness! I felt very proud of myself in the end! I had a few issues shall we say last week and the thought of my little bean and its welfare kept me focused. I'll be keeping that in mind with every future test they need to do! Good luck xxx

Status: Offline

Similar Threads
FSH and LH 21 Day blood tests	Trying To Conceive
Anyone terrified of blood tests and have some stories to share?	Trying To Conceive
1st lot of blood tests - when do i get the results?	Pregnancy - Second Trimester
No af for 11 weeks blood test advice please!	Trying To Conceive
Blood tests	Long Term Trying To Conceive

User Name		Remember Me?
Password