blood test and needle phobia

[louiselloyd89]

I have had my first antinatal appoitment (im 10 weeks) and have been told to book a blood test. I have done this but i have the worst phobia of needles. Like i panic attack and pass out :( i no i need the blood tests done any one in same situation and find a way of getting through it

[louiselloyd89]

Hey thank you all for your advice i will certainly try those methods. I have passed out before and i dont want to stress baby out by winding myself up booked in for a morning as well which means i wont have all day to worry about it. Thank u all again x

[katie_1989]

I'm the same way. I passed out at my first appointment. I swear they were draining my entire blood supply lol. The next time I had to get blood drawn wasn't till around 28 weeks for my glucose test. I laid down while they took it and they had apple juice ready for me to drink right after. I'm 39 weeks and haven't had blood drawn anymore so if you can get passed those two times you are in the clear. Don't watch either!

[April7th]

Tell them you have a phobia and they will help you through it. Don't fear it. I'm a Cognitive Psychotherapist and treat phobias a lot. Go in with a different mindset "I'm getting a needle, what's the worst that can happen?" then rationalize your answers, e.g.
How many needles actually break in people? Ans: hardly any, I'm also a qualified nurse, this has never happened in 12yrs of practice.
If it did, you're going to be fine, they'll know what to do.
Remember to breathe...in for 3 out for 6. You'll be fine.

[Destynee2015]

Girlllll lemme tell you! I use to have the WORST needle phobia! Now that ive had 2 kids, ive gotten a lot better about it. I use to be so bad id pass out. The best thing i could tell you is its all in ur head! Try to relax. What I do is I dont even look at what the phlebotomist is doing. Dont look at it at all. Also take deep breaths and sounds funny but wiggle ur toes while theyre drawing ur blood. Itll keep blood circulating and breathing will ensure u dont pass out. If theyre really nice, u can ask them to use a butterfly needle. I found i was tensing up and not breathing well which caused me to pass out. These methods worked for me, hope they do for u! And just remember ur doing it for ur baby! :)Take care