"My Pregnancy"

I wanted to take the time to write to you to share my experience during my most recent pregnancy. The care, support and guidance I received from the NHS team both at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital and from my Team Violet midwife, Claire, was second to none and I cannot thank the many midwives, nurses and doctors I met enough. My pregnancy was complicated with 21 scans, 14 obstetrician appointments, 3 GP appointments, 20 visits to the Day Assessment Unit, and 8 nights in hospital (3 pre birth and 5 following birth), as well as in person and telephone appointments with my community midwife.

My journey began when I was 6 weeks pregnant and was suffering extreme sickness; having experienced bad morning sickness in my first pregnancy, I knew this was on another level. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak I was anxious about contacting my GP, but by 9 weeks, after losing almost a stone in weight and still being unable to keep food or liquid down I needed to ask for help. Even though this was at the beginning of the coronavirus crisis at the end of March, and despite the pressure the GP surgery was under they listened to my concerns and allowed me to see a doctor that day.

My doctor at Scotstown surgery, took immediate action and prescribed medication to help, most importantly I was made to feel understood. I have since heard of so many who, when suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, are not given the same support and understanding, even from healthcare professionals, I cannot imagine how hard that would with such a difficult and isolating condition. I was on a mixture of anti-sickness pills and an injection to help get on top of the nausea. It did not take away the symptoms but made them slightly more manageable.

At 8 weeks I had booked a private scan, my partner and I had suffered a miscarriage a few months before and I felt I needed some reassurance that, despite the debilitating sickness, everything was ok. At this scan I met my guardian angel and a true asset to the NHS, Wendy, who carries out private scans in the evening, but is part of the scanning team at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. At the scan she informed me I was expecting triplets, a shock to say the least! I felt numb, confused, and completely overwhelmed.

Wendy took control of the situation, she asked if it was ok for her to take the scan images to the hospital the next day and set up an appointment with the ‘multiples team’ who would want to see me soon after. Having taken well over my 15-minute appointment time I left knowing that someone was there to help me, and true to her word I heard from Wendy the next day. Within a couple of days I had an appointment to be scanned at the hospital and met with Dr Shetty.

Dr Shetty and Wendy took control of my care and structured appointments ensuring I had continuity of care by, where possible, only being scanned by Wendy. To me the care taken to ensure I was seeing the same group of people was one of the important factors to the positive experience I had, especially later in the pregnancy. My community midwife Claire, kept up to date with the developments of the pregnancy, and kept in touch with me ensuring I had the emotional support I needed, she understood that as I was attending almost weekly appointments at the hospital it would be better to catch up with her via phone calls, Claire always made a point to focus on my mental wellbeing with everything that was going on.

By 12 weeks it became clear that two of the triplets (a set of twins) were suffering from TTTS which presented worsening symptoms as the weeks went on. By 17 weeks the picture was poor, and Dr Shetty set up an appointment in Glasgow with Dr Gibson. While this was possibly the hardest part of the pregnancy, I again felt that everyone within the team I met were nothing but supportive, understanding and very professional. Dr Gibson intervened in the pregnancy to try and save one of the twins, so very sadly this was not successful, and we lost both of our beautiful twins. This in turn also brought me a considerable amount of worry for the remainder of my pregnancy.

At 25 weeks I suffered PPROM and spent a weekend in Aberdeen Maternity Hospital under close observation for signs of early labour. Fortunately, there were none and I was able to continue the pregnancy until 36 weeks when mutually with Dr Shetty we agreed to a planned caesarean section. For the second half of the pregnancy I again was in the excellent hands of the Day Assessment Unit, with 2 visits a week and everyone I met there was so very kind and professional. Alongside this, Wendy kept a close eye to ensure all scans were carried out by her and Dr Shetty was kept informed on all developments and arranged an appointment to see me whenever needed.

After the loss of the twins I was also met Myra, who works as part of the Bereavement Team. Although the twins were not over 24 weeks, I was overwhelmed with the sensitivity and support I received from Myra and her team both in the early days after their loss, in the build up to delivery at 36 weeks and after delivery. Myra took time to explain all our options, she gave further information for me to read and research and kept in touch both in person and by telephone to always ensure we were informed and ok with any decisions we had to make. We discussed with Myra what we wanted to happen at delivery, and the attention to detail that the bereavement team considered gave us comfort during such a difficult time.

I think that the attention to detail and dedication Myra put into our case spoke for itself on the day of delivery, as unfortunately Myra was on a (very well deserved) holiday. However, she had so diligently handed over our case that there was never any confusion as to what our wishes were, and everything was handled smoothly and sensitively. We were allowed time to meet and say goodbye to our twins and as hard as it was on the day to finally say goodbye I was comforted knowing that they were treated with such respect and were taken care of when not with us. The fact that the hospital took care of all arrangements and supported us with arrangements for their cremation meant that we were allowed to try and focus on the joy of bringing our daughter into the world, and not worrying about having to make these arrangements ourselves.

The most special and incredible part of the experience was the day of the c-section. I had had reservations around a c-section, but again I felt so well informed and supported by Wendy, Dr Shetty and Claire that it soon became clear it was the sensible decision. Once the decision was made I was able to plan accordingly and felt a huge sense of calm in the lead up to the day. On the day, I was again so touched and a bit overwhelmed by the effort and kindness made by everyone who had been part of our journey. Both Claire and Wendy had made special arrangements to be present in theatre with me, having them there gave me a huge sense of calmness, I knew and trusted them and there were friendly faces there to support Andy and I. I was delighted that Dr Shetty was able to be the one to bring our daughter into this world and everyone in the operating theatre was so kind and upbeat.

I have told everyone that will listen what a positive experience the section was, the operating theatre was full of love and laughter on what was always going to be a difficult day. I was extremely anxious about the safe delivery of our daughter and very emotional about the end of the journey with our twins. However, I could not have asked for a better delivery.

This did not stop at the delivery, as everyone in the Summerfield Ward where my daughter and I spent the following 5 days were wonderful, again it was clear they were informed on our situation and therefore at the times I was upset, they immediately understood and were able to support me.

I don’t want to continue to gush, but honestly everyone I encountered throughout my pregnancy is a true credit to the NHS, and I wish there was more I could do to convey my gratitude to them.

The only negative point which is possibly unfair to mention as it was completely out of everyone’s control was the impact of Covid-19. That being said, at any time if there was a possibility of having my partner with me for a scan or appointment then every necessary arrangement was made to ensure he could be. But it was tough attending most appointments alone, especially as there were so many complications, and difficult information being given to me that I then had to relay back to him. As I had to go to Glasgow in May during the peak of the lockdown, My partner was not able to come with me, having to phone him and tell him over the phone that our twins had died is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, I have never felt so alone, and unfortunately it is not something I will forget, even though I know that it was purely down to the pandemic, and not through anyone’s fault.

As I sit and write this with our beautiful snoozing next to me and the twins memory box sitting in the sunshine coming in through our bedroom window I am forever grateful for everyone who helped us through this difficult journey. I am so sorry that I do not remember everyone’s name, and may be misspelling some of these, but to mention just a few:

Dr Danielian & Dr Hughes who supported Dr Shetty with my care.

Lesley and Fiona, midwives at the multiple clinic.

Michelle, who booked all my many scan appointments always ensuring that Wendy was available to carry out my scan.

Dr Crichton, a trainee Dr Caitlin, and the triage midwife Emily who looked after me when my waters prematurely broke.

Dr Gibson, Meghan, Rhonda, Shirley (? I am not sure if this is right as I was sedated), Pam, Alasdair, Fiona and everyone else on Ward 48 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow who were so kind during such a sad time.

The wonderful Day Assessment team in Aberdeen – Sarah, Rhona, Lesley, Charlene, Clara, Debbie, Simone, Anna, Vicky, Cara, Carol & Alannah (who has an exceptional skill to take blood without me feeling anything!)

Caroline, who kindly carried out a scan for me (so that Wendy could at least have a holiday!)

Some of the team on the day of delivery, there were a lot of people and I just cannot remember everyone – Lauren, Kelsey & Vicky who brought so much laughter, and music to the operating theatre.

The lovely team on the Summerfield ward – Gillian, Ffion, Tracy, Steph, Julie, Jade & Geraldine.

Ann – who so kindly helped me start and establish my breastfeeding journey. One of my biggest concerns having a premature baby by c-section was that breastfeeding would be a challenge, but with her kind encouragement we have been able to set up a good breastfeeding bond, and my breastfeeding journey is considerably easier than it was with my first baby.

Both Myra and Karen from the Rubislaw team were so wonderful after the birth to help us navigate the emotional journey with the twins and we feel that we have had the time and support to properly grieve and say goodbye to our beautiful babies.

And last but certainly not least……… as mentioned, the complications I faced meant that I spent a considerable amount of time at the hospital and met many wonderful people, but what ultimately made the experience feel manageable was having the continuity of care that Dr Shetty, Claire, and of course my guardian angel Wendy put in place for me, and who without I don’t think I would have been able to process and cope with the twists and turns the pregnancy took.

If any of this feedback is particularly useful or if there is anything it would be helpful for me to elaborate further on then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.