Needle, Blood, Hospital Phobia

HandBanana · July 2014

I have searched high and low for how someone has handled this re pregnancy and birth and the best I find is that it wasn't really handled or addressed and the person got pregnant or was trying and then concerned but ended up facing the it head on.

I don't want to even try getting pregnant before I address this.

I pass out going to a hospital. I pass out at the mere discussion of needles and anatomy. Recently we have had to visit a specialist re my husband's health and I had to step out of the office or I would have passed out.

I'm looking for if anyone has or knows someone who has done anything leading up to conception re these phobias, what they did, and if it helped.

Right now I have been looking into therapists that specialize in phobias which is the only thing I can think of doing.

HandBanana · July 2014

I've been looking at birthing centers like this one that is near a hospital so in an emergency I wouldn't be far from a hospital https://www.westsubmidwives.com/

A big part is I don't want to sacrifice the health of the baby for my "comfort" but it is true that me passing out while in labor isn't good for the baby either.

justmepreggo2020 · July 2014

Erm..hmm that's a hard one honestly! Definitely address that phobia hence you'll loose a big amount of blood during birth and also get blood tests done even before you will ever step a foot into a hospital.
A birthing center is a very good idea though!

HandBanana · July 2014

Reading all the replies is comforting.

I'm at the point where even the thought of having blood drawn and typing this makes me faint so I've got some things to address before I can even do the birthing center/midwife route.

catlover790 · July 2014

I would also recommend seeking help from someone who can specialize in phobias to help you. I think the birthing center is a good idea too! It's great that you are dealing with this before TTC and I hope you are able to find some help! good luck!

holliberry28 · July 2014

https://www.nacbt.org/

That's the association for cognitive-behavioral therapists. I would strongly recommend you try to treat your phobia. Therapy is usually short term (3-6 months) and you get specific assignments and desensitization techniques to help you overcome your fears. Good luck whichever route you choose!

divinemsbee · July 2014

I'm someone who had/has a deadly fear of hypodermics and needles. Terrified. What helped me, at least in getting blood drawn isn't necessarily something I'd recommend. I have had some pretty weird health things going on related to TTC, so I had to have blood drawn once a week for many months. Not something I ever saw coming, but it was like a crash course exposure therapy. Of course, that only help with blood draws, still terrified to IVs and shots. And don't even get me started on finger pricks.

I think looking up a cognitive behavior therapist who specialize in phobias is a good thing. You never know where life is going to take you, so it's good to have those coping strategies under your belt. Also, once you have kids, the needles and hospitals don't really go away for a while. It's part of why I finally decided to seek therapy, because I don't want to pass my fears along.

The first time I sat to have blood drawn last year I was a mess. Shaking, crying, hyperventilating. But I was really honest with the tech who drew my blood that I am not good at this and need someone who knows what they're doing. I'm fortunate that I have really good veins, but if you don't, I think it's fine to ask for the best person there and be willing to wait. Or, tell the nurse/tech if they have to stick you twice that you have a limit of twice per person. It's not bitchy, it's being really honest. I'm also really honest with my doctor about the whole needle thing, and she was really understanding. I just admit it freely and that helps because then we all know what we're dealing with.

luvbunny · July 2014

I'm sorry to sound harsh, but exposure therapy is most certainly your best option. (This comes from someone who suffers from anxiety and phobias, so I truly speak from experience.)

If you truly fear the things you do, I professional is the only one qualified to give you tools and training to overcome them.

LisaG09 · July 2014

Most definitely work this out beforehand! If something goes wrong you might not get to make choices about birthing centers and stuff. Emergencies happen and although avoiding it as much as possible is an option, you have to be prepared that you might need an IV/have to go to a hospital. When I found out I had to have a D&C, I was so scared. I've never had surgery, I was so scared to get an IV but honestly the surgery wasn't bad physically. now that I've been through it I feel so much more prepared to be pregnant again. I'm sorry you are dealing with this and good luck!

HandBanana · July 2014

Thank you! Very helpful.

I plan on doing the therapy but even the idea of therapy and gradual exposure has been giving me anxiety.

I didn't mean to allude that natural birth isn't safe. I'm saying that where I am at right now I would throttle someone who attempted to draw blood from me. I get dizzy wearing the cuff for blood pressure. I don't want to avoid any basic check ups just because they make me uncomfortable.

I know that I can talk all I want since I'm not even pregnant and haven't had a child but it has always been part of my plan to avoid the hospital setting as much as possible relative to mine and the baby's health.

Off to find someone covered by our insurance.

Ladymouse · July 2014

Hospital phobic here too. Planned a home birth. Love my midwife.

myatala · July 2014

I've never had a problem with needles but I had a lot of anxiety about hospitals and seeing new healthcare providers prior to my first pregnancy. I had a bunch of negative experiences with doctors and hospitals in the past that shaped my feelings about hospital birth.

I was able to work through my fears with time and approach my second pregnancy more willing to adapt to whatever medical situation I found myself in. It really does help so much to get to a better place with medical-related fears before pregnancy, if you can. I hope you get all the help you need to handle pregnancy and birth in a way that doesn't totally stress you out.

HandBanana · July 2014

You guys are awesome! Thank you so much!

I have a list of psychiatrists and psychologists covered by my insurance. I am assuming they will encourage gradual exposure with possible med aids. I'm excited but incredibly anxious.

Trampslikeus · July 2014

I'm not a CBT but have co-treated patients with them before and can tell you I've seen some pretty amazing success stories. We had a woman with OCD who then had a brain injury. Hearing any kind of sound through other peoples headphones made her LOSE IT, which was a major problem because she was public transit dependent. She actually nearly got herself arrested for attacking a guy who refused to turn down his music after she demanded he do so. After about 6 months of therapy and mindfulness meditation and was able to overcome it.

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