"I wanted to know what was happening"

Rang 111 service due to bleeding/clotting at nearly 11 weeks pregnant, was advised to visit A&E within the hour.

5-6 hours in A&E while under impression I would receive an ultrasound.

Was then seen on Pilgrim hospital gynaecology ward & had a speculum examination. Nurse advised I needed to stay over night to be monitored (despite me expressing I did not want to stay, my obs were fine & I felt fine in myself) nurse advised I would receive emergency ultrasound the next day so I agreed to stay, as I was desperate to know whether my baby had passed away.

Next day, I stayed on ward & still advised by staff I was waiting for on call doctor to arrive & perform ultrasound to give answers as to whether baby was still with us. 

At 1pm consultant did ward rounds and advised me I had been given incorrect information & would not be receiving an ultrasound as this is not a facility any department is able to provide during the weekend (4  staff attended while this information was given which I feel is perhaps insensitive & unnecessary) 

This news was completely devastating as I was desperate to know what was happening & found it traumatic being on a shared ward over night, no sleep or support from my husband which I could have had at home.

The consultant also advised I was not guaranteed a scan the next day either, even if I stayed over night again or if I returned to the early pregnancy unit. I decided to return home to my family & to get some rest.

Thankfully, I was given an ultrasound appointment in the early pregnancy unit the next day and unfortunately my baby had passed away & I was offered the different treatment options available. 

The midwife who spoke with us immediately after the devastating news was simply amazing, compassionate & genuine. Explained our options clearly & genuinely seemed to care that we were going through such a harrowing experience. We can’t thank this midwife enough for her care & compassion and felt it made a traumatic experience a little bit more bearable. Clearly a very special person and midwife and should be recognised for this outstanding care. We are so very grateful & hope people can learn from the example.