The routine bloods they take are to test your blood group and check for unusual antibodies, a full blood count, test for sickle cell & thalessemia which are genetic disorders (these might not be done routinely where you live - it depends on the cultural mix of the local community), and an infection screen - syphillis, hepititis B, rubella and HIV. You can decline any of the tests but it is worth getting them done cos if you have got one of the infections, they can treat it in pregnancy and lessen the impact on the baby. Some areas also do a random blood sugar as well.
I might as well out myself. I am a community midwife...... I am also a pregnant woman having my first baby, and these boards have been great - although I'm knowledgeable on all the technical stuff, and I hope I am supportive of the women in my care, I hadn't before appreciated how hard these first few months are when you have very little contact and support from any health care professional.