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Why do you have to have blood tests when you find out you are pregnant? Can you refuse them?
I have an abnormal fear- phobia of blood drawing.
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Alos, why take pre natal vitmains if you juice and eat a lot of raw greens and fruit. I don't really believe in pre prepared vitamins.What is the benefit.
November 29, 2009 - 2:31pmI also don't believe there is anything positive gained by eating meat and milk products. In my book, one have MORE nutritional deficiency by EATING these things than by eating mostly vegan including kale, chard, beets, nuts, wild fish, fruits, etc..
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You are right: foods containing vitamins and minerals are FAR superior than in supplement (vitamin) form. There is some evidence, however, showing that the body can absorb the synthetic folic acid (from vitamins) better than in its natural food source. Just food for thought!
Many pregnant women can fall short of meeting their daily folic acid requirement, and the importance of folic acid is extremely crucial in the developing baby because it significantly lowers the risk of serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (neural tube defects), as well as help with cell function and tissue growth of the fetus. It can also help prevent heart defects and other hereditary-conditions.
If you are eating folate-rich foods on a daily basis, and eat enough to provide you with 800 mcg daily (daily requirement in pregnancy; I have seen this number anywhere from 600-800mcg; non-pregnant women need 400 mcg), then check with your doctor or mid-wife about your preference to "opt out" of taking pre-natal vitamins. Folic acid-rich foods include:
November 29, 2009 - 4:22pm* Dark green, leafy vegetables
* Whole wheat bread
* Lightly cooked beans and peas
* Nuts and seeds
* Sprouts
* Oranges and grapefruits
* Liver and other organ meats
* Poultry
* Fortified breakfast cereals and enriched grain products
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It's a phobia. Not based on anything but I have always had it. I have only had about two or so blood tests in my life and avoid them whenever possible. It just scares me to death. I have fainted when i've had them done before. I know that it's silly, but I can't help it. I had to have an operation a few years ago and I was more scared of the blood test than the operation!
November 29, 2009 - 1:47pmI really would want to know, though, if my baby had Downe's syndrome or another serious illness as I could not cope with having a handicapped child.
Thanks for the advice and kind words.
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Anon,
Despite the fact that you will need blood tests during your pregnancy, your anxiety about it is real and doing something about it will help you get through this time.
Have you talked to your doctor about this? She or he will certainly understand (and it will not be the first time they have encountered this, either. You are not alone in having a fear of needles or blood being drawn). In addition to relaxation techniques that Susan mentioned above, your doctor may be able to prescribe an anti-anxiety medicine that you could take an hour before the blood draw that would still be safe for the baby. Or if it's the feel of the needle that you fear, they can numb the area ahead of time so you won't feel it. But your doctor needs to know, so she or he can help.
What exactly is your phobia, Anon? Are you afraid of the needle? The blood? Or the process itself? Are you worried that something will happen? Have you had a bad experience?
November 24, 2009 - 9:10amThis Comment
Down's Syndrome is detected through the Alfa-fetoprotein test. This test is done by drawing blood from the mother. Alfa-fetoprotein is produced by the fetus and mixes with the mother's blood. An ultrasound alone would not diagnose Down's Syndrome.
A high level of AFP can be an indication of a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. However, high levels of AFP can also indicate that the mother is further along in her pregnancy than realized and her due date needs to be recalculated. A high AFP could also mean the mother is carrying twins, according to Kaiser Permanente.
A low level of AFP can be an indication of genetic defects such as a higher risk of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) or Trisomy 18, a more severe and less common chromosomal anomaly.
It is important to understand that the AFP test is a screening test-- NOT a diagnostic one. Since it is possible to get a false positive, an ultrasound and Amniocentesis is performed if the result comes back positive. Many times, these additional tests will come back normal or it can diagnose the child's defect.
The reason why the AFP is done first is because of the risk of miscarriage. Miscarriage is the primary risk related to amniocentesis. The risk of miscarriage ranges from 1 in 400 to 1 in 200. In facilities where amniocentesis is performed regularly, the rates are closer to 1 in 400. Miscarriages can occur because of infection in the uterus, the water breaks or labor is induced prematurely.
Regarding your diabetes question-- yes, it is possible even if you eat healthy. For some women, the breaking down of sweets and carbohydrates becomes a problem during pregnancy. Eating healthy can certainly help prevent this but not eating meat can pose a nutritional deficit. Make sure that you take your prenatal vitamins daily as well as any additional supplements your doctor may suggest according to your blood test results.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/amniocentesis.html
November 23, 2009 - 5:15amhttp://pregnancyandbaby.sheknows.com/pregnancy/baby/Understanding-the-AFP-test-4450.htm
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I thought that Downe's synodrome was diagnosed with an ultra sound? How is it done through a blood test.
November 22, 2009 - 12:32pmIs it possible to become diabetic if you are very healthy and don't eat meat or dairy but all fresh fruit, vegetables, etc..
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