"Miscarriage and successful pregnancy"

I fell pregnant and had some bleeding at around 5 weeks. I had an early scan at Musgrove Hospital with the EPAC/EPAU team. They saw an area where the pregnancy could be, but it was too early to tell whether it was progressing successfully or if it had already begun to miscarry. That evening, I had heavy bleeding which sadly confirmed it was a miscarriage.

Quite soon after, I fell pregnant again. At 8 weeks, I experienced bleeding once more. I went for an early scan and, thankfully, the baby was healthy and moving around. I then had my 12-week scan, and everything continued to look good – and still does to this day at 22 weeks.

Throughout every moment of this journey, up to the 12-week scan, the care I received from the EPAU/EPAC team, as well as at my 12-week ultrasound, was beyond brilliant. I can’t begin to put into words how supported I felt during such a difficult time. I have never received such good care from the NHS; it was truly beautiful, caring, and kind. Through the rollercoaster of emotions, I felt supported non-stop.

I also can’t imagine how difficult it must be to work in the early pregnancy team, dealing with so much loss every day. Yet the staff are exactly where they should be – it felt as though they were meant for these roles. I was so overwhelmed by the love and care I received.

My midwife has also been outstanding. She reminds me a lot of my Mum and is so brilliant at her job. I understand every part of the appointments and am left feeling reassured and well cared for by the service she provides. 

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the Student Obstetric Sonographer I saw, and to the Specialist Nurses in Early Pregnancy. Your kindness made such a difference.

Unfortunately, my 20-week scan wasn’t as positive an experience. The sonographer was rude, rushed, and seemed to have better things to do than answer my questions. Considering this was the last routine scan where I’d see my first unborn child, after such an emotional journey, it completely destroyed what should have been a special moment for me and my partner. Imagine working in a role where you care for vulnerable women and ending up making a pregnant woman feel crushed and deflated at what should have been a joyful, celebratory time.

We ended up booking a private scan to try to erase and replace that experience in our minds. I did not want to take it further. So I have not. But I did not want it to go unsaid.

This experience actually made me reflect and truly appreciate all the positive, compassionate care I had received up until that point.