"Four years ago, when giving birth to her son Leo, Thompson underwent an emergency C-section. The operation lasted three hours, during which time she lost a lot of blood, and ten days later, she suffered a major haemorrhage, which she says she only survived because she lived close to the hospital and was able to be rushed in. The experience has had lasting knock-on effects on her health, including PTSD."
"Approximately 30,000 women a year develop PTSD after giving birth. Two-thirds of maternity units fail to meet safety standards. Maternal mortality rates are 20% higher from 2022-24 than across 2009-11, with almost a threefold difference in maternal mortality rates for Black women compared to white women, and women living in the most deprived areas experiencing a maternal mortality rate twice that of women in the least deprived areas."
"Examples of substandard care are becoming more common, just ask your female friends who've had children. The FT details Laura Beth-Thompson's experience - her complications included a failed induction, a patchy epidural, and a third-degree tear leaving her with lasting damage and PTSD."
Louise Thompson, formerly known for Made in Chelsea, is now advocating for improved maternity care in the UK following a traumatic birth experience. During her son Leo's delivery four years ago, she underwent emergency surgery lasting three hours with significant blood loss, followed by a major haemorrhage ten days later. The incident left her with lasting PTSD and health complications. Thompson's experience reflects broader systemic issues in UK maternity services: approximately 30,000 women annually develop PTSD after childbirth, two-thirds of maternity units fail safety standards, and maternal mortality rates have increased significantly. Disparities are stark, with Black women experiencing threefold higher mortality rates than white women, and deprived areas showing double the mortality rates of affluent regions. Maternity failings since 2019 have cost the NHS £27 billion.
#maternity-care-crisis #womens-health-advocacy #nhs-safety-standards #birth-trauma-and-ptsd #health-equity-disparities
Read at London On The Inside
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