"Appointment at the Antenatal department at 40..."

Having had quite an uncomfortable pregnancy and with it being my first baby i hoped for some good care within the Antenatal department. My midwife had faxed the department for me to be seen due to terrible pelvic pain, headaches and swelling.

I was seen on the 10th February which was 2 days before my due date for my little boy. I had my blood pressure taken and gave my urine sample on arrival as normal, then i was called in by the consultant.

They then told me that i had a small trace of protein in my urine which i had never had before. I also had a higher blood pressure reading then what i would normally have and this alarmed me. I was assured by the consultant that protein in the urine can be common and not to worry and that they will be sent away to be checked. They listened to me as i sobbed and told them how much pain i was in and that i was worried i now had symptoms of preeclampsia due to swelling, high blood pressure and protein in my urine. They told me they would see me in a week for a growth scan and i didn't feel comfortable with this. I went into the Day assessment unit as i felt i had been set away and wasn't happy with what was happening. The team in the Day assessment unit (who are outstanding) put me onto a monitor for me and the baby, took my blood pressure and another urine sample. Within an hour the doctor had come round to say that the protein in my urine had increased and my blood pressure was also increasing and that they were very glad i had come in. I had developed severe preeclampsia and they were going to induce me that evening. I was then in very safe hands whilst being closely monitored by all the staff and taken great care of whilst i then gave birth to my beautiful baby boy on the 12th February.

If i had gone home after seeing the consultant in the antenatal clinic i could have had a fit and been very unwell so its good thing i went to be checked over again. It is only because i had a friend who had developed preeclampsia that i knew what to look out for.

It is such a shame as all the other treatment i have had with the other Maternity departments at Southmead hospital have been incredible but this was really bad service.

I really hope that this never happens to anyone else in the future as the results could be terrible.