"Lack of empathy and advice"

I phoned RVH maternity for advice as my Daughter was bleeding and that afternoon was her first antenatal appointment at 12 weeks. The advice given was put pad on and go to appointment in the afternoon and if the bleeding got worse to ring back. At that stage the bleeding was very light.

During this appt she was scanned by midwife for the first time. The Midwife words to her was that there’s nothing there - that they should be able to see a baby but there was nothing there. The word miscarriage was never mentioned.

We were told that someone from early pregnancy would ring her in the next few days, my daughter asked her when they would ring and if it would be tomorrow and was told hopefully, she was offered a bottle of water and said they would walk her out so no one else talks to her on way out. As you can imagine this was very traumatic news. My daughter was not advised of what to expect next or what to prepare for.

On Friday early pregnancy did ring her however again i feel insufficient advice of what to expect once bleeding started or what her body would discharge was given. Instead we were left to rely on google. While no one could change the outcome, I would question the lack of empathy shown and why was there no advice given of what she might expect to happen over the next few days.

Not even a leaflet with advice or support.

I have worked in healthcare for many years and never would I leave a service user with out checking they were aware of next steps in their care.

My Daughter is also shocked at the lack of antenatal care at 12 weeks.