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"Sad birth experience"

About: Royal Free Hospital

I am writing this review out of pure disappointment. Briefly, I gave birth in August. During the contractions, I was dilating slowly, the midwife that checked me, told me that she was just doing a quick sweep as well. I did not ask or consented for the sweep, I was content with the slow progression, baby and I were not in any form of distress. Why the rush?

Afterwards, the pains started to intensify and I ask for the epidural. I was presented the side efects of potential pains, migrane and I was asked about any allergies. I do not remember being told that the epidural decreases the blood pressure. Anyways, the innevitable happened, my blood pressure which is normally low dropped even more, as well and the baby's, and this resulted in an emergency c-section. Now, I have done a lot of research myself and read on medical websites that the administration of liquids helps with the low blood pressure. At no point was I offered this and my whole frustration and disappointment emerges there - why not? Didn't the nurses or doctors know about this option or did they just wanted to rush the birth? Do us as patients have to come there with tones of research done, just because we can't fully trust that the medical staff would act in our best interest and not pressured by time or admin issues?

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Responses

Response from Royal Free Hospital 12 months ago
Royal Free Hospital
Submitted on 18/10/2024 at 14:09
Published on nhs.uk at 14:09


Dear Daniela,

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback on your birth experience in August. We're sorry to read that you do not feel you were told about the fact that an epidural can reduce blood pressure and that due to the drop in your and your baby's blood pressure resulted in an emergency c-section.

Unfortunately, we are unable to look into this any further for you with the details we have from your review. If you would like this to be looked into further and your questions answered, please contact our colleagues in the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Our maternity service is managed by Barnet Hospital and their PALS team will help you. They can be contacted via email at bcfpals@nhs.net

With best wishes,

The Patient Experience Team

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