Hi Thank you for your replies, my phobia with needles is to do with the needle going intmy skin, i do use emla cream, and it does improve but it depends on who takes your blood.  i generally try to get it done in the hospital with a finer needle in the back of my hand.  But it still makes me want to faint!  In my last pregnancy I managed with only two blood tests I have  anew midwife this time so fingers crossed.

I feel a little better about it now, I am not being sick yet which is a good sign.

Emma 5 weeks today!

Hi Emma,

Sorry to hear what you've been through, I'm glad both turned out ok!!! But I'm sure very frightening all the same!! I hope you end up only having to deal with the needle phobia this time and you amniotic fluid is plentiful

I too have a serious needle/general sharp things phobia (I have been sent to the phychologist because of it).

What aspect of the injection do you fear? Is it the blood or the pain? For me it's neither, it's the thought of something going through my skin.

I got through my last pregnancy fairly well considering! I got ok-ish at the blood tests, I just made a big thing about my fear and asked everyone who did my test if they were good at it, (I'm sure I was sooooo popular!!! lol) which I think helped and made sure they didn't give me a student at any point!!! It all went out the window when my BP and heartrate hit the roof when I was about to get my drip in during labour. Getting the drip in was the worst part of my labour!!!!!!!!!

If you have any hints or tips you want to share on how to deal with needles, please do, I'd be most grateful!

TPx

Hi Emma

Sorry I am gate crashing but I thought I might be able to help with the needle phobia. I am severly needle phobic and go into absolute panic. When I fell pregnant last year I dreaded the needles.

There is a product on the market called Emla cream - you can get this from any chemist. Place a good amount in the area the needle will be placed (both inner elbows incase mw can get blood from the first) and cover with see through plaster . This is best put on at least 60 mins prior to taking blood. If your mw is good you wont feel a thing - for me to say that its gotta be good.

Infact there was a leaflet in my dr's when I went for my 6 week check, promoting Emla for those with needle phobia. My chemist charges £2.99 so I certainly would not pay anything too far over that.

Check this site out as it shows you what to do and also shows a new kit you can get from your chemist. I had bloods taken about 10 times throughout my pregnancy (high blood pressure etc) and used emla cream everytime.

http://www.ihateneedles.co.uk/docitem/how-to-use-emla-before-your-needle-procedures.aspx?mid=2

Hope this helps and all the bets to you and the other ladies.

Lorna

i had spd with dd2 so you have my full sympathy there.

hope all goes well for you this time x

ah hun,what a terrible time you had!,fingers crossed that this time all goes smoothly for you xxx

Hi all, well I am on 3rd pregnancy and unlike some I am really dreading the next 8 months.  We had planned a 3rd but now I'm pregnant fear seems to be kicking in (or hormones), with both my previous pregnancies I have had reduced amonitic fluids, resulting in ds having to be resusitated after distress in labour and dd being induced 3 weeks early.  However I know the end result is more than worth it.  The consultants told me is was unlikely to happen with my second pregnancy so now i am certain it will happen this time also, I also had spd with dd.  I will be happy if I only have to go to the hospital once a fortnight after 20 weeks.  To top it off I have a needle phobia, and dreading my booking in appointment.  Anyway now I have that off my chest....