Which blood tests do I really need during pregnancy?
This is my second pregnancy and I am terrified of needles. I mean seriously terrified… not just a bit nervous. During my previous pregnancy, I had panic attacks over all three sets of blood tests. I was upset as I was forced to have identical blood tests twice (one at the early pregnancy unit, then at the midwife booking in visit as they “don’t share information”).
I’m 15 weeks and have my booking in appointment this afternoon. I was wondering what blood tests do I genuinely need to have for the health of my baby?
As far as I know, I’ll be tested for:
- Blood group (I already know this and they should too after the three sets of bloods last pregnancy)
- Hepatitis/HIV (Again, I tested clear for these last time and haven’t slept with anyone else/shared any needles etc)
- Screening tests (I refused these last time as I wouldn’t want to have further tests or abort based on the results and I don’t want a false positive hovering over me for the next 6 months)
If anyone has any reason why I SHOULD have tests for the above, please mention now!
The ones I’m not sure about:
- Anemia (I think I may need this to be on the safe side?)
- Rhesus factor (No idea about this one… do I need this test during a second pregnancy?)
Any help/guidance appreciated!
Also, are there any other tests I should expect at the booking-in visit? I’m in the UK. If so, which ones would I actually need and which are just routine (like blood group)?
Tagged with: Blood • during • need • pregnancy • Really • Tests
Filed under: Pregnancy Anxiety Disorder
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Ok at your booking in appointment, they will take your bloods to test for
Anemia (haemoglobin) – highly important as it tests your bloods ability to carry oxygen
Blood group
Platelets
Rubella
Random blood sugar
HIV
Rhesus factor – this is the +/- part of your blood group again important.
In your booking in it is 1 needle with 5 (I think) vials of blood, so if they are checking for one they might as well do them all. All the initial tests are really important to determine your health and there for the health of your baby. You obviously can refuse them if you want, but in an emergency situation if this information is not readily available, because you have refused the blood tests, it could cause delays and therefore serious complications.
I also refused the screening tests, for the same reasons as you.
You will then be required to have further blood tests at 28 weeks, for
Random blood sugar – to check for gestational diabetes (which can cause serious problems and a bib birth weight baby)
Anaemia – pregnancy can cause anemia so this must be checked again as can cause serious complication in later pregnancy and labour if left untreated
Bolld antibodies – these can be transferred to the baby during labour/delivery and will least to serious health issues (worst case senario, death) for the baby.
Like yo said you do not have to have these tests, they can not make you. But I personally think the risks to yourself and the baby seriously out weigh the risks of actually getting them.
I hate getting blood work and nearly always pass out, but would rather have the 30 minutes of upset (and couple hours of worry before) than the days/weeks of suffering that could arise from not having them.
well at around 24-28 weeks they usually check for blood glucose and iron levels at the same time so i would say that would be the most most important.
The tests that are most important include your blood type and RH factor, test for gestational diabetes, STDs/HIV, urine, anemia, GBS status. Genetic testing is up to you. I decided not to get them but my risk screening was very low. If you are not planning to abort then there is not really a point to doing them unless you what to know to be prepared. Even though you say you may not have engaged in sharing needles/slept with anybody is not a good enough reason not to be tested. Women lie to health professionals alot. I know because I work in this environment. Not saying that is you, but you will be surprised at the number of positive results for STDs women get from a partner they deemed faithful. It is about the baby’s health. No one likes to be poked or proded but if its deemed necessary, do for the baby. Good luck!
You shouldn’t need either the test for anemia or RH factor. If you’re concerned about becoming anemic, you can consciously make sure that you aren’t taking your prenatal vitamins with milk or tums (so the calcium doesn’t block iron absorption), eat a bit more meat and other iron rich foods, eat your iron rich foods with fruits (vitamin C helps iron absorption), and cut your dairy intake down if you normally take in tons of milk/yogurt/cheese/whatever.
Unless you have a negative blood type, you shouldn’t need to worry about the RH factor test. What blood type are you? If it’s a positive, there’s no worry about your body freaking out over Baby being negative. The only time RH factor is a concern is if Mom has a negative RH factor and Baby has a positive. So, if yours is negative, you may want to talk about what to do, but if not, don’t worry about it.