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?
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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
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