Week 28: Needles

To those of you who have not been pregnant before, I hope one of two things: that you do not pass out when you see a needle headed in your direction, or, that you get over that somehow (exposure therapy, maybe?). Prenatal doctor visits are riddled with shots and pokes. This wish especially goes out to my pals Jessica and Lindsay, who have been known to either panic or pass out prior to a shot. Today I got two needles at the doctor's office. Two. Come on now.

The first was preceded by an 8 ounce orange drink illustriously named Glucola. I had to consume this within five minutes one hour before my blood was taken. Glucola is orange syrup much like orange soda with less fizz and more sugar. This blood test checks for gestational diabetes and today was the second time I had to go through it. Most women only get the honor once per pregnancy, but my Dad has diabetes, so I got take it twice. Thanks, Dad.

"Do you want this in your left or right butt?" The nurse asked as she prepared my second needle, a Rogam shot, just as my arm stopped throbbing.

"Either..." is equally embarrassing. Ouch.

Moments after that I got to see the doctor and hear the baby’s heart beat and go through my list of questions. So, that was nice. I would have preferred to skip the pinchy part of the whole visit … but I don’t think that was an option.