Glucoses test

Heyy I had mine at 28 weeks if you're in the UK its like drinking a brain licker 😂 they take one lot of bloods before and after so if anything I think its easier than the first appt where they take like 4 lots, if possible take someone with you so you have someone to talk to whilst they do it

They do your bloods before the drink, I’m not a fan of needles not a phobia but I just never make eye contact with the equipment, the best thing is to just be honest with them and tell the person doing it they could maybe move it all out of eye sight before you enter the room. You can always ask to lay down whilst they do the bloods too if that makes you feel better.
Once bloods are done then it’s the drink and then a 2 hour wait in the waiting area.
Then they do the second bloods after the 2 hours might be someone different doing the 2nd ones so just be honest with them again. At our hospital we were sent to the bloods department for the 2nd ones.
Just try your best to do positive thinking, you are safe and it is okay, you’ve got this 🫶🏻

So you might not like this but im just guna say it- during pregnancy you could need bloods or medical interventions at any point and you may not be in the position to decline it based on fear of needles. I would see this as your chance to take control of your phobia for your babies best interests.

I asked for the butterfly needle I believe it’s called. It’s the smaller one so you don’t feel as much! Just takes a bit longer to come out

I would ask if they have or buy yourself some lidocaine numbing cream. There is also the device called Buzzy that used vibrations and a cold pack to distract the brain from what’s happening. Please also advocate for yourself with the lab tech or nurse. You can ask that they talk to you about something different to distract you, sometimes they’ll have stress balls, or you could talk to your doctor about getting prescribed anti anxiety medication that’s safe for pregnancy. Remember to focus on your breathing, maybe listen to some music too

You should be able to ask for numbing cream to be applied. This can help with the pain and limits your knowledge of the needle entering your skin.

Butterfly needle is a good option but some NHS trusts will only use these for hard to reach, small of fragile veins. They are sometimes also used for those with severe needle phobias but it’s unlikely that your phlebotomist will not have these prepared for you. You could ring up in advance and see if it’s an option for them to have this prepared to you?

Try and be positive. You know what to expect and you obviously have yours babies best interests at heart.

i always ask to lay down and i got them instant ice packs u know the ones u shake to turn them cold i hold one in to opposite had whenever i have bloods or injections and focus on the cold instead of the needle. i also tell them not to tell me when they do it and talk about anything with the nurse or if someone is going with u to keep ur mind off it