"1st scan, massive bruise and 3 hours later"

We recently visited the Fetal Medicine Unit for my 12 week scan.

The building and facilities are stunning, felt like a private clinic. The space was very clean and tidy.

We waited for a while as we arrived early to our appointment. Chairs were comfortable, lovely music and mood lighting on the walls. Felt relaxed.

None of the staff members wore uniforms or proper footwear apart from the cleaners.

I found this highly amusing whilst waiting.

A staff member called my name out and advised me we will be taking some measurements . I left my husband in the waiting area and followed them into a room were he took my height, weight and blood pressure.

They then said we also check for Down Syndrome etc. Which made it sound serious and that it is important. They informed me that they will need a blood sample and results will be ready in 30 mins. I hesitantly agreed and advised them i am scared of needles and showed them my left arm which is best to take blood from. They not only decided to take blood from my right arm, they then left the needle in for more than a minute as they clearly could not draw enough blood from me. I was slowly losing consciousness and my arm was going numb. I told them that and after a few more seconds they took it out and said it might not be enough but we will see. I am now left with the biggest bruise I have ever had and a stronger fear of needles.

We then went in for the scan which took over an hour asking me the same questions I had in my antenatal appointment a week earlier. During the scan they struggled to capture the images requiered and blamed the baby for 'being nautghty' .Eventually after an embarrassing internal scan they manage to capture all the data they needed and then inform me my blood results will be ready in 5 mins.

We went back to the waiting room. After a while I approached reception and ask if my results will be ready soon to which they said it should be in the next 30 mins. After 45 minutes waiting a member of staff approached me with a piece of paper letting me know that I have a low chance in having any of the syndromes they were testing for. At that point we just said thank you and wanted to leave as both me and my husband felt fed up and tiered.

I am hoping my next experience at the unit will be better and with more care and honestly as the blood test was voluntary not essential.