1st OB Visit-Blood Work & Flu Shot

I had my first OB visit yesterday. They took 4 vials of blood to do blood work. Is this a normal amount? I wasn't prepared to give that much (didn't have a full breakfast) and I walked out of there feeling weak and with blurry vision in one eye that lasted for about a half hour.

The OB also recommended I get the flu shot so I got it. I didn't do my research beforehand - I didn't think pregnant women could get vaccines of any kind - so I went on her recommendation. Now my arm is sore and I had body chills last night. I woke up now with a splitting headache and can't fall back asleep. I also feel like I'm going to throw up but it hasn't happened yet (I haven't thrown up at all so far this pregnancy). Is this a normal reaction to the shot? I'm sitting here crying because I'm so scared that I made the wrong decision to get the shot and I'm hurting myself and the baby If anyone has any advice, please, please share.

TIA

Message edited 10/8/2011 4:44:09 AM.

Re: 1st OB Visit-Blood Work & Flu Shot

4 vials sounds about right. I believe they took 9 or 10 from me but I have all sorts of potential issues in my family tree that they were testing for.

How far along are you? The headaches could totally just be pregnancy related. I think I started getting my migraines around 7 weeks or so. It has not been fun!

Please don't worry about the flu shot. Tons of girls on here have gotten them, including myself! They have actually been proven to protect the baby even 6 months after birth so they are definitely beneficial! I got mine last week and my arm was sore for 2-3 days. Just try to take or easy. If you are really feeling sick call your doc but most likely it is normal and will pass.

Re: 1st OB Visit-Blood Work & Flu Shot

yes that's a normal amount of blood

and it is totally fine (and a good thing) that you got the flu shot. you do not want to get the flu when pg. it made my arm sore too, it should go away by tomorrow. headaches/nausea could be pg related.

feel better and relax!!

Re: 1st OB Visit-Blood Work & Flu Shot

I had like 6 vials taken from me. Had no idea it was that much either. Thankfully I popped a few skittles in my mouth or knowing me, I would've passed out lol

As for the shot, I think as long as it's the mercury free one, it's ok. I haven't gotten it yet and I never have in the past so I have no idea what it'll do to me.

Re: 1st OB Visit-Blood Work & Flu Shot

4 vials of blood is fine, I think they took between 8 and 10 for my first OB appt. I got the flu shot and I'm very glad I did. To me, the risks of the flu far outweigh the risks of the shot. Your symptoms might be more pregnancy related than from the shot (nausea, headaches, etc). But you can always call your OB for peace of mind. Feel better!

Re: 1st OB Visit-Blood Work & Flu Shot

I've lost count of how much blood I've given at this point! Four vials sounds fine.

As for the flu shot, I was skeptical since I've never had the flu but my OB strongly recommended it. My arm was sore for two or three days. About 4 or 5 days later I ended up feeling terrible with a headache, achiness, and a very mild fever. I still don't know if it was related but my dr. had warned me that these were possible side effects. She just said to call if I got a fever higher than 100. If you're nervous then call, but I think you'll be fine.

Re: 1st OB Visit-Blood Work & Flu Shot

4 viles is normal!

I got my flu shot last week, I just asked for a preservative free one. My arm was sore for two days!

Re: 1st OB Visit-Blood Work & Flu Shot

Thank you all for your input!! I was able to get a few more hours of sleep Saturday morning and woke up feeling much, much better. The pain in my arm from the shot went away today, too. I'm so glad to be back to normal!