by Beks
I always laugh when I hear about folks who participate in tests for pharmaceutical companies. It seems like a horrible idea to take drugs that haven’t been tested. I mean really, who does that?!?
*Meekly raise my hand*
Apparently there is a black market for pregnant lady blood and I decided to cash in.
My co-worker participated in a study on pregnant women dedicated to preventing the need for dangerous amniocentesis testing. No drugs are required, only blood donations from pregnant women.
The value of a tiny tube of my blood? $250.
I was reluctant to donate blood at first, regardless of how little was required, but gave in as soon as I visited the medical facility. It was cleaner than my doctor’s office!
Test subjects can donate up to 6 times over the course of 20 weeks, but I’m too far in my pregnancy and could only donate once.
I’m a bit jealous of my co-worker who is on her third donation and has fully furnished her baby’s room on pharmaceutical company checks but hey, I’m extremely grateful for my $250.
Yes, my doctor approved the donation. Yes, it was safe and sanitary. Yes, the check cleared.
And one day, I hope amniocentesis testing will be a thing of the past.
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.
Good for you! Sounds quick and painless which is the best way to make extra money!
Oh, I would have done that in a heartbeat! No drugs, just a few minutes of your time and a vile of blood. Heck yeah!
As for amnio…I never had one, but I had a zillion and a half ultrasounds (hello, 3 high risk pregnancies….I know my way around an OBs office). I don’t necessarily think they are dangerous. Yes, they have risks…but so does aspirin (ever read the bottle??). Maybe someday they will figure out how to test for some things (I suppose that is the reason you are donating your life juice), but I don’t think we are there yet.
Good for you! Simple testing and getting paid for it,too! Way to go! That’s so much easier that amino. I had a couple of high risk pregnancies and after so many blood tests, had to have amino done. Would never, ever have one done again. Would LOVE to see amino test as a thing of the past!!!!
Good for you!
Helping to support scientific research and getting paid at the same time? Win-win! 😀
What type of company is this and how do you find em. My wife is pregnant and I’m ready to sell her up the river for some cash! Lol
I had amnio done due to my age and didn’t think much of it at all. I had lots of warnings that it would be bad, but it was truly nothing. That said, I think it would be nice to eliminate it, at least in routine cases. I’m curious as to what they think they can find in the Mom’s blood that would eliminate the need for testing the baby’s amniotic fluid…
Knowing someone personally who lost a perfectly, healthy baby girl from an amnio test, I would LOVE to see them go away!!!!!!
Wish I were adding to my brood, I’d be all over that!!!
Wow – that’s awesome.
Sounds like a good cause. I was highly pressured into an amnio after my 20-week ultrasound. I refused, and a second more thorough ultrasound proved everything was 100% fine. I was so disgusted that they would push the higher risk procedure before just doing a simple ultrasound with a specialist. (I had seen miscarriage rate pretty consistently quoted at 1%, with amnios, at that time). I know they certainly have their value, but my Doctors didn’t seem to have a sense of risk versus reward. We could have talked if the second ultrasound was inconclusive – I am not 100% unreasonable – just logical.
Great way to make some extra cash!
I found your blog recently, and have been enjoying it very much.
Cheers 🙂
Shannon
Are they going to follow up with you after the birth to see how it went? Just curious how the blood does them any good without the outcome info.
Several years ago my friend was in a band doing a tour to the west coast and back to Georgia. When they were coming back through Texas, their van broke down and they were stuck with no money and no way to fix their van. Then . . . they came upon a medical testing facility.
They stayed for a couple of weeks and did some tests and not only had the money to fix the van, but they made more than they netted on their tour!
Emmi – No, they only needed blood. No follow-ups needed. They only allowed women having male children to participate. They can now find fetal blood cells in the mother’s blood and can do testing on those. It’s AWESOME and I’m glad I got to be a part of it.
Hi Beks,
I’m also curious where you donated. I am pregnant with a male and would love an extra $250.
I am currently pregnant with a boy and would really love to know what company you did this for!
I just recently stumbled across your hilarious blog and just have to say how much I love it! After reading this entry, I am in the same boat as you (I am almost 8 months pregnant with a little boy) and could always use some extra cash. I tried to research this out…and NOTHIN. How did your friend find out about donating the blood and is this at more than one place? Or just for one specific research project? Again, LOVE your blog! It’s hilarious and motivating! Thanks!
That reminds me- I should probably see if I can get some money for donating blood. I haven’t done it in about 15 years because the nurse hit my bone with the needle… I will NEVER forget the feeling. To top it off they said later my blood couldn’t be used because I had been taking supplements for workouts.
This blog is really inspirational in the debt being paid off. I know I’ve seen it before- time to bookmark!