Stressed about blood test!

[Kat_bix84]

I do feel abit pathetic but I know many have a dislike and aversion to blood tests but I feel I can't seem to get over the anxiety in knowing I need one having had my 1st midwife appointment last week. I have anxiety issues anyway and refused to have the test when I went for my 1st appointment as was very worked up and couldn't face it. The midwife said I had to have it next week as otherwise the screening will chase them...since then I told my husband and he said he would take me...however now I have had nightmares and flashbacks of my last blood test and me passing out and it's making me feel so ill. I know I'm not doing myself any favours by not thinking good thoughts but i have images of what's going to happen too which is also not helping, it's like torture. I've been trying to see if I can have the test at home as that would make me feel less anxious. Arghhh, I just don't know what to do!!! Any advice?

 

[Abi88]

I have the same problem with passing out during blood tests too. I would tell the nurse and get them to let you lay down while they do it. I find it helps with the fainting. I also find wiggling my toes and doing the 7 times table helps to distract me too. I know it sounds mental! Also make sure you have some thing sweet, maybe some fruit juice or a banana before and after and you aren't dehydrated as that will stop you getting so lightheaded. It does get easier. I have also found that the nurses and midwives are good at taking blood painlessly because they do it all the time.

 

[Marvellous_mum]

Take sweets for the dizziness. I used to work myself up into a frenzy to the point id faint. Take some sweets, whichever you prefer (I find things like starburst or skittles help) also get your husband to talk to you about something you like (facing away from the nurse)

You can do it.

 

[Vintageling]

Tell the person doing your bloods hun I'm lucky i don't faint but I'm terrified of needles and to be fair the last few years have been really good I get a flu jab every year and I go for infusions once a year for pain and my gp and consultant have been amazing at helping me they distract me so much they start a conversation before they bring the needle near me and don't even tell me they are doing it I just stay still and they don't mention the needle it helps they are both so gentle. The consultant is amazing as my veins can be difficult but he's an anethstatist so he get the iv in first time. Just tell them and they will help you out hun. I have to have bloods drawn from my hand as my veins in my elbow have all but vanished since fibro reared its ugly head but that makes it easier for me because they aren't poking around for a vein for ages which makes me more anxious

 

[Beckyx]

I know how you feel , I’m absolutely petrified of my bloods being taken and so nervous about it already. It’s just best to remember that it’s something we have to do, for our babies and to make sure everything is going ok. That’s what I just keeping reminding myself. I’m going to ask to lie down whilst they do them and try and think of something else and look away.

Hope this helps xx

 

[Princess81]

Could your midwife come to your house and do it, would that help? Outside of a clinical area?

 

[D3bbie]

I am petrified of needles and when I was younger they had to strap me down. I’m not so bad now as last pregnancy I felt like a pin cushion. I used my hypnobirthing techniques to get through blood tests now and it’s really helped. I still get very anxious but I focus on breathing and look away.