Terrified of needles!

sarahchrismck · August 2014

So, I'm really excited to be pregnant, but I have always been absolutely terrified of needles. It's not the pain - it's the thought of something being stuck into my veins. I always pass out when I have a vaccination or when I need blood drawn. I've searched online and some of the threads here, but I wanted to bring this up in case anyone else had the same fear. I know I have to suck it up and deal, for my health and my baby's health, but do any of you have some strategies or suggestions for dealing with anxiety about needles? I'd love to hear some feedback on this.

Edit: extra words

twinkletoes3126 · August 2014

I am so sorry! I would talk to your Dr and see if they could combine a lot of the bloodwork so you don't have to be doing it constantly. Hopefully they will do that for you so that you don't have to be going through it every visit.

MiraK03 · August 2014

stress balls, bring a friend/family member, don't have the person sticking you tell you when they stick up, talk or tell a story to distract yourself, have someone experienced stick you! The more you think about it the worse it is.

good luck! I use to be scared of them until I got a job where I have to stick people now.

evakatharina · August 2014

I'm not good getting them either, and I used to always faint. What I've found works is to bring along someone really chatty who will just distract me with conversation while it's going on. I mean, it doesn't make it FUN, but it does at least keep me from fainting. I also do better if I don't look and no one tells me when it's actually happening.

admac3 · August 2014

MiraK03 said:
stress balls, bring a friend/family member, don't have the person sticking you tell you when they stick up, talk or tell a story to distract yourself, have someone experienced stick you! The more you think about it the worse it is.

good luck! I use to be scared of them until I got a job where I have to stick people now.

All of this! I was terrified of needles when I got pregnant with DD1. Being pregnant made me quickly get used to them. I still don't like them, but I'm not afraid anymore. Good luck!

sarahchrismck · August 2014

Thanks to all who responded. I'm sure it will get easier, but I'm dreading my first appointment already and I should be excited. Still got a few weeks though so I should relax.

Unknown · August 2014

This content has been removed.

sarahchrismck · August 2014

@mbbach Good to know I'm not alone. My appointment isn't until Sept. 18 and my anxiety level is so high already. I think the build-up is far worse than the actual one minute of pain/discomfort followed by 10 minutes of light-headedness, so I'm trying to stay relaxed. We were testing buddies, perhaps we should be support buddies as well and send each other positive vibes?

DH suggested that we go ahead and buy a onesie or something cute for the baby and that I should hold it and concentrate on that item while the blood draw is happening so that I will remain focused on why I'm doing this and what's going to come in the end. He has his smart moments!

Trying to stay strong over here...

Unknown · August 2014

This content has been removed.

sarahchrismck · August 2014

@mbbach Positive vibes going your way on the 23rd. We can do this!

stacyaronson · September 2014

Ask them to use pediatric sized needles I used to be like you but have been able to "suck it up" and the pain has been less since I have started asking for the smaller sized needles- good luck!

beachhippiemama · September 2014

I understand completely; I am the exact same way about needles. I have to be lying down to get a shot or have blood drawn, and then I will still most likely pass out when I stand 10 minutes later!
My anxiety of needles is so bad that I labored for 46 hours without drugs! Also had GD my first pregnancy, so I had to get used to daily finger pricks.

The best advice I can give is to make your partner or a friend drive you to all your appointments which you will need to have blood drawn. I tried to breathe through it, but that did nothing for me. Oh well!

You will get through it; and just think that it is all worth it for your babe!

sdrhodes12 · September 2014

I'm in the phobia of needle club too! I had a traumatic experience getting my ears pierced when I was 11 and ended up in the ambulance after standing up too quickly, passing out, and knocking myself out on the counter. Ever since then I have had very high anxiety over needles! I have to say I've gotten much better over the years. I use to pass out at every appt. almost just from high anxiety.

For about 5 years now, I am much better, but still get high anxiety in any doctors office! I lay down to get blood drawn or shots. My doctor is very good with me though! I think that's why I've gotten better because she makes me feel calmer and doesn't look down on me for it. I think I'm going to take headphones with me and listen to some calming music, that usually helps!

sarahchrismck · September 2014

@sdrhodes12 I think music might work for me - I'll have to bring my ipod in. Maybe I can distract myself by trying to pick out a song and by the time I do, they'll be all done? Worth a shot (no pun intended). I think you're right - it totally depends on who's taking my blood or who's the one giving me a shot. I've had mostly wonderful technicians or nurses, but a few terrible ones that scarred me even further! Sorry about your bad experience with your ears. I'm glad you're OK!

katielyn1 · September 2014

Stay hydrated! I don't like getting stuck so I will pinch my skin to take my mind off of the spot they are sticking. Works for me! Oh and btw I'm a nurse lol.

Want a personalized experience?

Terrified of needles!

Re: Terrified of needles!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards