A couple of weeks ago I had some blood work done. I had never had blood drawn before and it made me feel like I might throw up. I think my doctor wants me to repeat the blood test in a few weeks. What can I do so I won't feel sick again?
Jenna*

Getting blood drawn, whether it's for lab work or for a blood donation, can be unsettling for lots of people. Even when we think we aren't nervous or afraid, our bodies might behave otherwise!

The most likely reason you felt sick to your stomach when you had your blood drawn is that your body was having a vasovagal reaction. This is a physical response from your nervous system. It can be triggered by seeing the needle, seeing your own blood, or just feeling anxious about the whole thing.

With vasovagal reactions, some people feel nauseated. Others may feel dizzy, start sweating, look pale, or have a temporary drop in heart rate or blood pressure. Some people will even faint.

The next time you have your blood drawn, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization to help you feel calm. Close your eyes and pretend you're on a sandy beach or somewhere else relaxing. Some people find it's better to look away when having blood drawn so they can't see the needle entering their arm or the blood that flows from it. You also can try to distract yourself by playing music or talking with the technician.

Remember, blood draws don't last long. You'll also probably find that having your blood drawn gets easier every time you have to do it.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

Back to Articles

Related Articles

Blood Test (Video)

These videos show what's involved in getting a blood test and what it's like to be the person taking the blood sample.

Read More

What's a Normal Reaction to a Shot?

Find out what the experts have to say.

Read More

Donating Blood

There's a 97% chance that someone you know will need a blood transfusion. Blood donors — especially donors with certain blood types — are always in demand. Find out what's involved in this article for teens.

Read More

Fainting

Fainting is pretty common in teens. The good news is that most of the time it's not a sign of something serious.

Read More

Brain and Nervous System

If the brain is a central computer that controls all the functions of the body, then the nervous system is like a network that relays messages back and forth to different parts of the body. Find out how they work in this Body Basics article.

Read More

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.