Cleo
** TRIGGER WARNING. THIS BLOG POST INCLUDES DISCUSSION OF TRAUMATIC AND DIFFICULT BIRTHING EXPERIENCES WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING **
Trusting my gut is something I do it is rarely wrong. During my pregnancy I felt like I had to really speak up over and over because instead of being listened to I was being told what was wrong without examination.
Things to bare in mind during my pregnancy I was under consultant care as I was seen as a high risk pregnancy due to the amount and size of fibroids I had in and around my womb.
At around 5 months pregnant with my son I was getting wicked pains so bad they were worse than labour pains I could stand upright I was crippled by the pain. We went to A&E where I was asked a series of questions which they concluded I was constipated as this is common for people who are pregnant. I knew this wasn't the case as my bowels were regular due to great diet at the time. They proceeded to give me an enema of laxatives and sent me home still in untold pain. I was back the next day as I was unable to sleep or get comfortable and the pain had got worse I pushed for a scan and pushed for a proper examination. I was sent to a ward where I was examined and admitted I stayed for a week and had a scan two days after being admitted. I had internal bleeding. That is what was cause all the pain and discomfort the nurse that did the scan was mortified and asked why I wasn't seen earlier, all I could say was I don't know. I knew something was really wrong and refused to let them tell me otherwise but many others may not have felt able to do the same as staff were very insistent and dismissive.
Unfortunately I have many stories like this where I've had to fight for basic care, to be heard or to be seen.
It is saddening and frustrating amongst other things to know that black women are five times more likely to die during pregnancy and after childbirth. Stand up! Be counted show support if you believe that this should not be happening get involved.
Instagram: @house.of.cleo
