"Treatment during pregnancy and during labour"

I am writing to share concerns regarding the standard of maternity care I received at Hereford County Hospital. My experiences, particularly in such a vulnerable and critical period, left me feeling dismissed, coerced, and at times very distressed. While I have previously had positive experiences at the hospital—which led to our decision to plan for care under this Trust—I feel it is important to bring these more recent incidents to attention so that lessons may be learned.

1. Antenatal Consultation

I attended the hospital following a referral from my midwife to discuss birth options as I approached 42 weeks’ gestation. However, I was met not with a conversation, but what felt like a predetermined course of action. The consultant and registrar approached the situation with what I felt to be undue pressure and scaremongering language, immediately recommending induction without reviewing or discussing my specific circumstances.

I was told, with little nuance or explanation, that if I did not agree to induction, my baby was likely to be stillborn. No data was presented to support these claims, and when I asked for statistics, I was told they would need to look them up. In contrast, I had come prepared with evidence-based research on both the risks of expectant management and the known consequences of induction—including the increased likelihood of painful contractions, further intervention, and potential distress to the baby.

Moreover, alternative approaches such as regular monitoring were not offered until I explicitly asked, and even then, I felt I had to argue for what should be a basic, safe option supported by national guidance. At no point was the variability of gestational length discussed, nor was I asked about my ovulation date—which was over 14 days after my last period and in line with a family history of longer gestations.

The tone and manner of the consultation left me feeling cornered, unheard, and undermined. This is not appropriate, particularly during a time when sensitivity, respect, and evidence-based, individualised care are critical.

2.  Labour Triage

I arrived at triage with increasing contractions and suspected ruptured membranes. I was accompanied by my husband and doula, and I had been planning a home birth. During the assessment, the midwife confirmed I was 3cm dilated. Without seeking or obtaining my consent, she then stated she was going to give [me] a sweep. Despite myself, my husband, and doula all saying no, we need to give consent for that, she continued the procedure, saying she was there now.

This was a serious violation of consent and bodily autonomy, particularly at a vulnerable moment and during an internal examination. The sweep was performed without time for me to process or ask questions or make an informed decision , and it left me feeling violated and powerless. I firmly believe it also contributed to changes in my baby’s position—who had previously been confirmed in an optimal position—resulting in a far more intense and difficult labour. I felt I had no choice but to agree, especially with the midwife's hand in position. I also cannot be 100% sure if I had declined, she hadn’t already done the sweep.

The sweep may also have prevented me from continuing with my planned home birth, a decision I had prepared for throughout my pregnancy. I felt like it was strategic to try and force me into a hospital birth. I left the triage department feeling disrespected, shocked, and emotionally shaken. I must also confirm I was advised by previous consultants at Hereford that I was perfectly fine to have a home birth.

I share these experiences not to criticise individual staff members without cause, but to raise systemic concerns around consent, communication, and respectful maternity care. I would like a response and an apology for the distress these situations have caused. Most importantly, I hope these incidents will lead to meaningful reflection and changes in approach, particularly regarding:

How information is communicated to expectant mothers around post-dates pregnancy;

Ensuring informed consent is properly obtained for all procedures, especially in labour;

Supporting patient autonomy and respectful communication at all stages of care.

Thank you for taking the time to review this feedback. I look forward to your response and hope this feedback is taken in the spirit it is intended—to prevent others from going through similar experiences.