Blood Drug Testing

How many blood tests do you get while pregnant?

I want to get pregnant but I am EXTREMELY afraid of needles. I am wondering just how many blood tests will be taken while I am pregnant and where will they be taken from? A friend who just had a baby said they just poked her finger except for when she was dehydrated? Also are there any other needles involved??? Thank you for your time.

Public Comments

1. A lot. Especially the day of delivery. You'll be a human pin cushion.
2. You get one set of shots, very easy.
3. There are several. First of all, the doctor will do a blood test to check if your hormone levels are good. Some hormones should increase when you are pregnant. If the increase is not sufficient, the doctor might have to take several blood samples a few days apart to make sure everything is ok. In addition to that, it's good to go through routine blood exams to ensure that your body in healthy. You might also have to take several vaccines. Don't worry about needles. Now-a-days, needles are so thin that you hardly feel anything. Just look away and think of something else. You won't feel a thing. So don't be a baby, just think about the joy of becoming a mother of a baby one day.
4. every doctor has a different protocal that they follow. I had bllod taken at my first OB visit, they checked for general health and HIV (its standard procedure in my state to check if you havn't had one in the last year) I also had blood taken when I was in the hospital with dehydration and later on, they suspected toxemia and drw blood then.
5. When i was pregnant i gave blood three times...once in the beginning when i first found out the second time because my iron test didnt come out right and the last time at the time of delivery...but i think everybody is different depending on your iron crit and health...
6. my son has a needle phobia not to be confused with a fear of needles but rather an extremely intense irrational fear. he went through needle phobia therapy with a psychologist and it really helped him now it is no big deal. he still doesn't like needles but he can handle veinus puncture situations with out an extreme incident. when you are pregnant you do get finger pricks but there are times they need more volume to run specific testing. they take that blood from your arm. it isn't frequent but does happen. also when you go in to deliver your baby chances are you will have an IV so that you remain well hydrated and then there is a sight for them to give you meds without sticking you over and over. with the IV it is just one stick and it doesn't hurt for you to get your meds after that. you should discuss this fear with your doctor and a pschologist and see if they can help you. another posibility is to go in a lab or blood donation center sit at a far distance and watch blood draws. then when you have adapted to that distance move a bit closer and continue observations, when you become more comfortable with that move a bit closer just keep getting closer as you decrease the anxiety at different distances until finally you are close to the blood draw.it will get easier and easier. when you are having a blood draw you might try a meditation mind over matter tecnique while not looking at the needle. don't focus on the needle. Good Luck !
7. I got one big set and two small ones later on in the pregnancy. You have to get them. There is no way around it. I would be more afraid of any diseases that may be passed on to the baby that you are not aware that you have. They also check Glucose levels, anemia, baby deformities, and more. If you can't handle it, don't get pregnant!
8. I am pregnant and close to delivery. I have not had any blood testing. There is no way I will allow it. You know, you don't have to have a dr. If you have a low risk pregnancy, you can choose a midwife to help you mind your health. I really suggest you look into midwifes who do home births in your area.