"Maternity Triage"

I am currently 26 weeks pregnant and sadly have had several complications throughout my pregnancy. First being severe Hyperemesis, that started at 4 weeks. My first 20 weeks were the worse. I am slightly better now. I had to have over 13 admissions in the first 16 weeks to help with fluids and medication. As per hospital policy before each of these admissions I would have to contact maternity triage first. From my very first phone call to now, some of the midwives and staff phone manner has been shocking. 

Every time I contacted the MT (maternity triage) I would always explain I have Hyperemesis, and had tested my urine at home, the results were 4 plus of ketones each time. Obviously this means a hospital admission. This is my second pregnancy with Hyperemesis so I am more than aware of the protocol and signs of Dehydration and importance of getting IV Fluids and taking my medication regular. However, any midwife with any knowledge of Hyperemesis will know anti sickness tablets do not always work.

I had been on cyclizine,  promethazine,Prochlorperazine and ondansetron with no alleviation of my sickness. These medication were all taking as prescribed, yet every time I call MT I would explain the above (the ketones, medication I was on, my experience and my diagnosis) yet the nurse would still tell me “I am clearly not taking the medication correctly or I wouldn’t be vomiting” or “to eat some ginger biscuits and rest” or “take small drinks of fluids” and the topping on the cake “how do you know you have Hyperemesis, you can’t just self diagnose”. The tone of every conversation was patronising with the added ignorance and clear lack of knowledge of Hyperemesis.

Every time I knew I had to contact MT for an admission I would be full of dread as I knew it would be a battle. I always came off the phone feeling deflated and low. I always made to feel like a silly little girl who knew nothing, not even my know body. Yes, I may only be 20. Again, this is my second pregnancy and I know exactly how it works and policy surrounding it. I knew more about the treatments available for Hyperemesis than the MT staff.

When I was eventually put on to steroids to control my sickness and had to be admitted through MT again, I was told by a member of staff that Hyperemesis is NOT treated by steroids and I was wrong. Even though the lady had my notes open in front of her. These negative experiences with MT have stuck with me, now 26 weeks and having other complications with sickness still lingering, I still dread calling MT. This had a massive effect on my mental health as I felt no body believed me or I was an inconvenience to the staff. I was always left being belittled and stupid. At points left in tears. I can say it was not all of the staff. Anyone working within a maternity setting should be educated on the seriousness and how debilitating Hyperemesis can be. I think the staff MT clearly need more training in telephony manner, having compassion and Hyperemesis.