Birth Trauma/PTSD

Before my birth I was not scared of anything medical. I’ve had a couple of vaginal examinations in the past and I had a sweep before my birth and it never bothered me. I had a traumatic birth, I was in labour for 2 days and had 2 failed epidurals, emergency section (where I felt a lot of it), I had to be put under general anaesthetic half way through and my baby ended up in NICU. I turned 25 during my pregnancy so never had my smear test, however I am now due one. The thought of anything going up my cervix absolutely terrifies me. It sends me back to my birth and fills me with pure dread and fear (which is v annoying as these things never bothered me before). Basically, I don’t know how to deal with this feeling and how I’m going to go through with the smear. Any advice? X

Show your support

Im so sorry that was your experience. I'd try and arrange an appointment with your GP before hand and discuss all of those feelings, they may be able to help put some things in place for you that help you feel more in control of the procedure. They might also suggest therapy or counselling to help you going forward 💕

I would definitely mention how you’re feeling to the nurse at your appointment just so they’re aware and can accommodate you. You could also use hypnobirthing breathing techniques during your smear test if that’s something you used in pregnancy. No one likes getting their smear test, and the first one might also hold some fear of the unknown but it’s really quick, over much quicker than vaginal examinations in pregnancy (like a sweep) and it’s super important so maybe take the day off and plan some self care for yourself afterwards as a reward - you got this! 👏

I am so sorry you went through this and I perfectly understand what you're going through. I have laboured painfully for 5 days, and couldn't sleep either. Went into hospital to get support as I was exhausted and in pain, ended up being kept, induced next day, epidural that only worked half side, 2nd degree episiotomy which i still struggle with and almost went home without our bubba as we both got a bad infection over night, with the drip for dilation as I stayed 2 cm for days in labour and wasn't dilating even after they broke my waters. I couldn't even look at her being resusc for 10 min, the longest 10 min of my life., I was in shock and crying... I still carry this trauma and brings me shivers and tears. My point with sharing all this is that you need to share this with women that fully understand and went through same experiences. Talk about it until there is no emotion in this experience for you. Hope this helps. I might be a stranger to you but I am here if you need to talk. Blessings and take care. ❤️

You can ask for a birth de-brief with a midwife, so you can discuss your birth and any feelings this has left you with. I would highly recommend as it may help you come to terms with what happened and help to deal with any trauma you still have. In regards your smear, when you make the apt ask them to book a long apt and explain you’re struggling post birth. Could you also take someone with you to help knee you calm? x

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌