Severe Syringe Phobia!!

diacolella · August 2011

I don't know what to do! I've had a severe phobia of syringes my whole life. I am now 19 weeks along and am told that ALL pregnant women have to have at least 1 blood test, but I really don't think I'll be able to do this! I will be able to be calm right up until the doctor or nurse comes near me and then a full blown panic attack will occur (and I mean screaming, flailing, kicking, punching, biting, running...it's BAD!), which is NOT good for me or my baby! when I had to get my wisdom teeth out a while back it took 5 nurses just to restrain me and hold me down! None of this is done on purpose, I know it's irrational, but adrenaline takes over and I can't stop the reaction (I equate it to the reaction that someone would have if being attacked on the street) I've already been having mini panic attacks- hyperventilating and crying- just thinking about it! I was given anti-anxiety pills to take the day of the test, but I've tried this before and the pills don't stop the reaction. I would love to be able to just "suck it up", if only it were that easy! I am told that my pregnancy seems to be uncomplicated, and I have no family history of any diseases that would affect pregnancy in any way. Is there anyone else who has this same problem or who has declined having any blood tests done?

salt78 · August 2011

Frankly I'm shocked that you've gotten to 19 weeks already without having any blood drawn. That was the first thing they did with me.

StangJK13 · August 2011

Hate to tell you, but as soon as you go into the hospital to deliver they are going to hook you up to an IV. When I had my c-section, the IV stayed in for the next 2 days as that is how they gave me the pain meds. I'm not a fan of needles either, but it is one of those things that just must be done for the benefit of the baby. I try and just not look at anything related to the blood draw. Just communicate to the nurse early that you don't want to watch or talk about anything related. And then I just don't look at anything (not even them prepping the needles) and just get distracted by my phone or something else.

Charlyne · August 2011

Mine isn't that bad, but I refuse shots whenever I can. They took about half a dozen vials of blood at 8 weeks and I told the nurse I did not like needles and turned away while she poked me. I thankfully have a very good vein right at the surface in the inside of my right elbow.

My biggest trouble is with hospital rooms. I nearly pass out every time I go in one with the IV all set up, machines beeping away, so I'm not sure how I'll handle it when I deliver. One of the childbirth prep classes does a walkthrough of the birth suites so I'm hoping the room will be more calming than a traditional hospital room.

tosh24 · August 2011

I'm wondering if you could put an Emla patch on?

It wouldn't take away the anxiety of seeing the needle or having to get the blood work done, but it would numb the area so you wouldn't feel the needle going in or coming out. Don't know if it's safe for pregnancy or not.

And I have to say that I too am shocked you've made it to 19 weeks without bloodwork. Even if you opted out of the prenatal screening, all doctors should be doing a full panel blood work up as soon as you find out you're pregnant. It doesn't matter if you have a spotless family history or not.

BFab11 · August 2011

You don't *have* to do anything. Just because certain things are routine (blood draws, IVs in the hospital, etc) doesn't mean you don't have a choice. It's your body and you have the right to refuse any test or procedure you aren't comfortable with. If you are ok with continuing your pregnancy without knowing the results of the tests (which many, many women do without complication), you can say no.

christinak22 · August 2011

I was similar, though maybe a touch less extreme before I had my first. I threw myself on the floor and cried like a baby when they wanted to take my blood because I had mono at age 20. I was induced and had an epidural with my first, so lots of needles and stuff, and it really kicked the fear out of me. I still don't do great with them, but at least I can manage. Maybe it will be similar for you...?

jason&robin · August 2011

I have never had the same level of fear as you but it used to make me nervous quite a bit. Then I got pg with #1 and ended up with PIH and had to have my blood drawn quite a bit. Then I had him and then another baby with PIH with lots of blood draws so now it's really no big deal. Hopefully, you can find a good way to manage and that with practice, you will get over your fear.

sherpa · August 2011

I'm with PP, the first appointment I had was all about blood draw. If they haven't done one yet I think you're in the clear. I don't remember any blood draws after my first appointment when I was pg with my son, I have the same OB.

I'm assuming you won't be getting an epidural. Be sure to get loads of fluids before you deliver because they typically give you a bag of fluids...maybe it's just patients with epidurals though, I'm not certain.

Just out of curiosity what are you going to do when your child needs immunizations?

bparkhur · August 2011

I am still very needle phobic but I have become less extreme since having my first. Honestly, being pregnant, you get poked for so many reasons all the time that you do actually start to get used to it (I'm sure this hard to imagine right now). The way you might have to think about it is being brave for your child and doing anything you can to keep him or her safe even if it means doing something that causes you pain. Yes, it's your body and you can make whatever decision you choose, but would you be ok knowing that simple blood test could have prevented some serious complication to your child. FWIW, in a twist of horrific irony, I ended up with gestational diabetes and had to test my own blood 4 TIMES A DAY! I cried, and cried, and cried, and cried when I found out. But you *do* get used to it. And althought others may not understand your accomplishment, YOU will know what you've gone through for your child.

I am also very surprised you haven't had blood drawn yet. Did your doctor order it and you've been avoiding doing it?

treble_clef · August 2011

How about going to a therapist?

You'll most likely have a healthy pregnancy and a childbirth, but you never know what's going to happen.

Cebs222 · August 2011

salt78:
Frankly I'm shocked that you've gotten to 19 weeks already without having any blood drawn. That was the first thing they did with me.

my thoughts exactly, I had blood drawn a few times early in pregnancy, and with HG i had severe dehydration and had to be given a lot through. as others have said- your going to have to get a lot done. Have you tried going earlier on and just closing your eyes and never looking at any of them before hand? Good luck to you!

Angiee930 · August 2011

You honestly have to get over it, I am very surprised you have gone this long without one, I have had 2 already and I am 15 weeks, you need to have the glucose test and what happens when you go into labor, you have to have a IV for fluids or what happens if you have to have a emergency C-sec?

bpwife&mama · August 2011

I can relate, I am absolutely TERRIFIED of needles. I have gone my whole life trying to avoid them at all costs. I have had blood drawn twice now and I am beside myself everytime. I have to lay down with an ice pack on my chest so I don't pass out lol. I just know this time that I am doing this for my baby and that I can just get through it. It sucks being so afraid, but it's just something you have to get through. I also keep telling myself that the pain of labor is going to be so bad that I am not going to care about the epideral needle going into my spine. Hang in there, you can do this!!

WifeyMommy2011 · September 2011

I agree with PP im very surprised you havent had any blood taken. I used to pass out every time I got blood drawn but honestly since I have gotten pregnant I have gotten so much drawn that it has helped alot with my phobia. Im more easily prepared since it has happened so much. Sometimes you just need to realize that the blood they are drawing is for the safety of your baby and to insure you are having a healthy pregnancy. That is worth all the pricks.

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