"Pregnancy and Delivery"

My pregnancy was going well until I reached the third trimester where I was significantly disabled by pelvic girdle pain and a few days later diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

I was seen by the physios for the PGP, however this did not help and I spent the remaining 3 months of my pregnancy in severe pain and being unable to mobilise without the use of elbow crutches. I did not feel I was able to fully discuss pain management options as I was always seen by different doctors and midwives. 

I found the support from the diabetes team to be very helpful and easy to contact, however I do not feel that they fully explained the dangers associated with gestational diabetes. 

I was also lost to follow-up for a few weeks as my care was erroneously transferred solely to the diabetes team and I subsequently was not offered appointments that I should have been offered from the midwifery team. 

I attended to be induced at 38 weeks, however I ended up needing an emergency Caesarean section. The staff involved in this were phenomenal and they managed to get my daughter out quickly and safely.

My aftercare in the ward could have been improved substantially by improved communication: I also did not have access to a nurse call bell which I felt should have been prioritised following a section. The maternity care assistants were amazing and incredibly helpful and supportive. 

Overall my experience of the maternity services was poor and I hope this can be improved in the future.