"Late Stage Cervical Prep"

I read the reviews on here and felt very mixed feelings about coming here, but since I found out I was pregnant at 21 weeks, I decided to go through with it.

Upon arriving for my consultation, I was walked through the whole process and involved in every aspect. I was taken to see the first nurse who weighed me, measured my height, blood pressure and blood type. I have a huge needle phobia and this was carefully considered by all the nurses and I was treated with dignity and respect. I then went to see another nurse, who did the scan and decided I was 21 weeks and 2 days pregnant- much further along than my GP's estimate of 14-16 weeks. During the scan, I was asked if I wanted to see the scan, or to be informed if it was a twin pregnancy. I declined.

Today, I went to the clinic for the cervical prep procedure. I had to have 4 dilapan inserted, along with the feticide injection. This seemed very daunting, but there was a nurse there to hold my hand and a sheet was placed between me and the surgeon, who was also very nice. A small burn when the local anaesthetic was injected, and a lot of pressure and a small amount of pain during the feticide injection. This was guided by a scan. Then, legs up in stirrups, and the rods were inserted. This wasn't painful at all!

Then, I was given biscuits and a drink, medication and antibiotics and sent home to prepare for tomorrow. Information was given to me about what to do if the procedure induced labour/ excessive bleeding.

All the staff were incredibly supportive during this time, my only criticism would be that whilst I was changing into my gowns the nurses were arguing a little amongst themselves. Also, there was quite a long time between my consultation and my procedure but this was no fault of the clinic themselves.

Just a note to women who are going through this, when they give you the file, DONT LOOK unless you want to see your scan pictures. I very nearly saw mine. I do understand that is compulsory for me to take these to Richmond tomorrow, so for any women going through a two day procedure at different clinics, don't look at your file!!