Had 'routine' bloods done today at 28 weeks, I had them all at 12 weeks so why did I need them doing again?

[mountainboo]

Hi peeps, hope your getting more sleep now psy. Hi red, happy new year to you all. Had my 28 week appt with midwife today and she took my blood for what she said was just routine, I was surprised because I'd already had the tests for iron, blood type, hiv and whatever else at 12 weeks which all came back normal. She mentioned something about making sure I haven't developed any antibodies??? and re-doing the iron test. Is this normal, I mean does everyone else get the same? I told her about the strange rythmic beats I've been feeling in lower abdomen and as psy says, she thinks it's hiccups so I guess I'll have to go with that. When she was feeling what position he is in she was pressing in extremely hard. I didn't like it as it was sore, I know she's a proffesional and knows exactly what she's doing but need they be so rough? He is in breech by the way but I know he's got a while to go until he settles in a position.

[redcrx]

did she say the bloods were to include blood group and HIV again?
Usually the 28 week bloods would be for Iron to ensure you havnt got a deficiancy as that can change through pregnancy.
Baby has a few weeks in which to change position but i did just post a link on daffys Q which gives ways of getting baby into optimum position, might be worth looking at.
Its never comfy when midwife checks position is it? Ive got that tomorrow and thats always the worst bit.

[Goodsoulette]

Developing antibodies normally happen when you or your baby have different negative/positive blood status. The babies blood can cross the placents, start attacking the mothers system and then the mothers will cross back through attacking the babies blood and causing anaemia. It's quite serious (but rare) and thats why it is checked for.

Women often get anaemic in pregnancy so its normal to check for this and also glucose for gestational diabetes need to be checked to make sure you arent going to give birth to a 25lb mammoth.

All perfectly normal.

[Psychick]

Hi mountainboo, given up on the sleep thing lol

Yes it is perfectly normal to have routine bloods done again. You will also have a third lot done at about 36 weeks. Thye definatley have to keep an eye on your iron levels because if they are lower than 11, you are risk of heavy/serious bleeding. At the moment, mine are too low for me to be allowed a home birth but Im on daily iron tablets to hopefulyy get them up. Im to be tested again in a few weeks and keeping fingers tightly crossed!

As for them being rough, theyre not really, it just feels like it! lol They need to feel properly to keep a check on position etc but dont worry, its no where hear as rough on baby as on you as baby is well protected by the fluid. I was told that baby in breach position is more tender and know how tender it is as mine is in breach postion! As this is my second though, baby may not turn and settle til almost near the birth unlike first time pregnancies. They normally settle between 34 and 37 weeks so yes, you still have lots of time yet.

Anyone want my heartburn by the way? Ive had 6 months worth in one day today! lol

[Goodsoulette]

Psychick how pregnant are you because after 32 weeks you can take zantac. It clears it up almost immediately. Just to add a nice worry for you, I had awful indigestion and heartburn during my last pregnancy and apparently thats a sign that that was when I started developing gallstones and that's like going into labour all over again.

[Psychick]

Thanks Goodsoulette! lol Actually, heartburn was the only thing I suffered from last time round so not too worried...yet!
I am 32 weeks now but on gaviscon advanced......... can you take anything else with that?

[redcrx]

thanks GS. My heartburn has started already at 25 weeks! will keep that in mind for later in pregnancy.

[Goodsoulette]

I found the gaviscon advanced rubbish, nothing seems to work as well as zantac. There have been no recorded problems with it but they havent done huge tests on it but they seem to think it cant interfer with the development of the lungs and thats the important thing. I could take one tablet and be ok for days with that. You could prop a couple of pillows under your mattress so you sleep a lot more upright that helps with the reflux as does sipping ice cold milk (low fat).


Redcrx, I know exactly how you feel.

[Psychick]

red you are lucky..... I have been getting heartburn pretty much from the start! lol

Goodsoulette, I need to make an appointment to see my doctor anyway and will mention the zantac to him and see what he says as going more than a few hours without heartburn would be heaven! So far I have been having gaviscon as that is what is getting prescribed by the doctor and it does work.... mostly....its better than any of the the other gaviscon products anyway.

[mountainboo]

Thanks you 3, you always know how to put my mind at ease. Red, she didn't say they were to include blood group or HIV again, I guess she would have mentioned those specifically. That makes sense goodsoulette, I hadn't thought of that.
Sorry to hear about your heartburn psy and red. I've had the odd bit of heartburn which was quite uncomfortable. My sis in law said she drank warm water to relieve hers during pregnancy. Can't imagine that did an awful lot, but if you try it, let me know if it works.

[redcrx]

the only thing that really worked for me last time around was McDonalds milkshakes lol. Gaviscon works for about 3 minutes!
Shall try and remember to ask midwife today.