Antenatal bloodtests

[Psychick]

Tomorrow I am having my first antenatal bloodtest along with my first scan. Normally with bloodtests, you have to starve yourself up 14 hours before, is this also the case with antenatal bloodtests?
I am sure I didnt when I had my first but that was 6 years ago and memory isnt what it used to be! With all the info the midwife gave me, there isnt anything saying either way.
Anyone know? Thanks.

[gina32]

starve for 14 hours?? ive never heard that before, i had a blood test last week, although im not pregnant ,and i didnt have to, youd pass out first

[Psychick]

With most bloodtests you do have to stop eating the evening before, depending on what the bloodtest is for. 14 hours is the maximum, for most bloodtests it is usually 12 hours. For my last bloodtest, which was earlier in the year, they were checking my thyroids and I wasnt allowed to eat anything for 14 hours and most of the time you are alseep anyway, it really isnt that bad and you certainly dont pass out. Although I would if I had to know because eating little and often is the only thing saving me from all day morning sickness! lol

[suzyangel]

You don't have to for pregnancy.

[Psychick]

Ah thank you suzy! I didnt think so but just wanted to make sure as I didnt want to get there tomorrow only to be told I would have to go back another time because I had eaten! lol

[gina32]

i had a thyroid test done 2 weeks ago and i didnt have to starve,

[natalie_1982]

Psychick I am having my bloods done on Thursday - good uck with yours! I've never had them done before (first pregnancy) so let me knowwhat happens!

[Pippa68]

You lucky thing, Gina! I had to have my thyroid checked a couple of weeks ago too..it involded a fasting blood test.

I have never had to do this with antenatal bloods, psychick. Eat away :o)

[boobesque]

The only antenatal blood test i had to fast for was my glucose test for suspected gestational diabetes

[natalie_1982]

I wouldn't think they would advise a pregnant woman to starve though would they?

[Psychick]

Its certainly sounding like your got off very lucky Gina!

Natalie I am dreading mine because they can never get enough blood out off me! They usually end up making me look and feel like a pin cushion! I suppose I used the wrong word by saying starved as the only meal you really miss out on is breakfast........and in my case....all the midnight snacks! lol

Thanks Pippa! Eat I will hehe!

Thanks boobesque, I know they check for glucose during pregnancy, so I take they wont be everytime?

[Goodsoulette]

no psychick you only need to fat during pregnancy for a blood test if they suisp[ect gestational diabetes. Not for the routine glucose tests, they will pick up the sugar in your pee first.

I have only ever fasted for a blood test that involved a diabetes test. I had a full set of bloods during a preop appointment a couple of weeks ago and was not told to fast. You only need to do so when told to.

[gina32]

if your appointment was at say 3 in the afternoon it would be a very long time from the previous evening not to have anything to eat

[Psychick]

Well I dont know about everywhere else in the UK Gina, but here, when you are asked to fast for a blood test, you are normally given a time to go and have it done the next day too. Every area and local health service is different though I guess.

[Pippa68]

Yep ~ around here if you have to have a fasting blood test you are given an appointment as early as possible the next day. MIne was at 8.55am, and they told me they don't do them after 11.00am.

Luckily I didn't have to wait long for my breakfast!

[boobesque]

I couldn't eat from 9pm as my first bloods were done at 9am, sadly the waiting room is next to the cafe and watching people eat for 2 hours nearly killed me!

[gina32]

like you say all areas are different, but i certainly didnt have to starve for a blood test

[boobesque]

If i had to starve for each of my blood test, i would have faded away! :-P

[nat_84]

Hope the blood test goes well and enjoy your first scan!!! xxx

[Psychick]

Thanks nat and thanks for all the answers today ladies.....Im off to bed but probably wont sleep as Im so blooming nervous! lol