New mum who suffered from severe sickness says thank you for her care
A new mum who was diagnosed with a severe sickness condition while pregnant, called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), has thanked the team who cared for her during a difficult pregnancy and guided her through a difficult labour.
Sarah Middleton, from Uttoxeter, was first diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum after being admitted into Queen’s Hospital Burton at eight weeks pregnant. The sickness carried on throughout Sarah's pregnancy and had a big impact on her, including during her labour. With support from the maternity team at Queen's Hospital Burton, she overcame the odds to welcome her baby girl Daisy by emergency caesarean section.
Sarah, who is 34, said: “I had a really tough pregnancy. I was first admitted into hospital at eight weeks and put on a drip and the sickness continued throughout the whole pregnancy.
“I was worried that something was wrong with the baby because I was so poorly. I was terrified, I didn’t know anyone who had it before.”
Despite her concerns Sarah said the team at Queen's were really supportive, and she was also offered regular scans due to other health issues such as endometriosis and having previously had pre-cancerous cells removed from her cervix.
Sarah said: “I was really lucky to be able to conceive in the first place so I tried to enjoy pregnancy as much as possible but it was rough.”
Because of Sarah’s medical history she said there were talks early on in her pregnancy about her having a caesarean section, but her consultant recommended that Sarah tried to labour naturally.
She said: “I was quite happy to go along with the advice I was given and see what happened but towards the end of the pregnancy I had reduced movements, so the decision was made to induce me and I had to have an emergency caesarean section.
“That was my worst fear. I hated the thought of rushing around, and my partner had to rush to get to me but luckily I had the loveliest anaesthetist who was amazing.
“He reassured me the whole time and held my hand and told me everything was okay. He was just brilliant.
“I was very upset and in a lot of pain but one of the midwives really looked after me. She advocated for me when I needed it most and I am so grateful for that.”
On 4 September, Sarah gave birth to Daisy who weighed 6lbs 6oz.
Sarah has kindly shared her story to support others who may experience hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy, and to say thank you to the staff that cared for her, and safely delivered Daisy into the world.
“I just want to say a massive thank you to the staff that helped me" she added. "Things didn’t go the way I wanted or planned but I was in safe hands and now I am home with my beautiful baby girl and it was all worth it.
“Daisy is such a happy smiley little baby and I will always remember the care and compassion that was shown to us to get Daisy here, safe and healthy.”