What blood tests do they do at your first appointment?

Question

I have my first big appointment next week at 11 weeks 2 days. They told me to drink a lot of water for the ultrasound, but also to have a full belly because they are going to take a lot of blood samples.
What are they going to test? I am a little nervous because I get woozy after 1 vial drawn, so I kind of want to prepare myself for how many vials they'll be taking.

Answer

It might be my office, but they didn't take any at the actual appointment personally. They sent me to a lab to have it done, but I had an obstetrics panel and hiv antibody screening. They said these and a cystic fibrosis screening are all routine, but I need to call my insurance as there was a $900 copay listed for the cystic fibrosis for some reason which is why I didn't immediately have it done. They took a total of 4 vials in 2 different sizes (2 larger 2 smaller) but my mom used to work in a lab in a hospital and said she didn't understand why they couldn't get in all from 1 big vial. My sister in law is about 3 months ahead of us and she said she had the same tests done but they only took 2 vials for her. So I'm guessing it varies by provider maybe?

Answer

I had like 5 or 6 vials take and I bruised so bad 😱😩

Answer

I had about five or six viles taken I’m pretty sure. Checking for HIV, my blood type, HCG levels, and some others that I can’t remember. But it was quite a few for sure.

Answer

5-6. Ask for a chair that lays back. They test for genetic things in your blood, blood type, STDs, immunities, etc.

Answer

I was sent to a lab to have my blood work done. They took 8 tubes and also had me give a sample for a few urinalysis tests too. My midwife is very thorough.

Answer

They were very very kind when it came to taking my blood. And very caring. They asked me several times if I get dizzy or faint when getting blood drawn and they made sure I was okay to stand before letting me walk out. 5 or 6 vials but as long as you eat a good breakfast/lunch you should be fine! Eat something high in iron and let them know you get whoozy!

Answer

I counted 10 viles when i got mine done. It’s not bad though. You’ll work it up in your mind when it’s really nothing.

Answer

I’ve had 2 babies and when it was time for blood work it was either 4 or 5 vials both times! I hate hate blood work but a sugary drink and something in your belly really does help!

Answer

The lady at the lab that took my blood said that the only time you cannot eat anything before getting blood work done is if it's a fasting panel. In which case your doctor would have told you that beforehand so you could be prepared. I definitely do not like the idea of a fasting panel at all, and I hope none of us ever have to do that.

Answer

They took 7 viles (4 large, 3 small) at my first appt. I have worked hard to overcome a severe blood and needle phobia over the past few years as I prepared to get pregnant. I did feel shaky afterward but it's over before you know it and it's by far the largest draw of pregnancy!

What blood tests do they do at your first appointment?

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