"My daughter was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck four times... I felt completely dismissed, ignored"

A mother’s experience of Oxford University Hospitals Maternity Services in 2025:

I joined this campaign to raise awareness and to warn others about serious failings in care at Oxford University Hospitals, specifically the John Radcliffe Hospital.

During my late pregnancy in 2025, I experienced numerous and escalating health problems. While heavily pregnant, I attended the hospital on two separate occasions due to severe and persistent pain. On both occasions, I was told there was nothing wrong and was sent home, despite being in extreme pain. I was advised to manage this pain with codeine, even though I was heavily pregnant. No clear explanation was given for the pain, and no meaningful investigations were carried out.

Concerned for my own health and my baby’s wellbeing, I sought a second opinion at another hospital. This hospital was able to clarify issues that had been dismissed or denied by Oxford. Despite this, when I returned to OUH, I was once again told that there was nothing wrong. The hospital refused to carry out any further investigations into the cause of my pain, aside from basic blood tests and urine samples. These tests showed very high levels of protein and other abnormal results, yet no further action was taken.

Two days later, while still experiencing severe pain on and off, my baby’s movements stopped completely. I urgently attended the other hospital I had the second opinion from. Upon arrival, I was immediately placed on a monitor, which quickly identified that my baby was in distress. I was transferred to the delivery ward and underwent an emergency caesarean section. My baby was born seven weeks premature.

I cannot say with certainty whether the pain I was experiencing directly caused the need for an emergency caesarean section. However, I strongly believe that the prolonged pain, stress, and lack of appropriate care contributed to my baby becoming distressed. My daughter was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck four times. Throughout my interactions with OUH, I felt completely dismissed, ignored, and made to feel as though my concerns were irrational.

I do not know exactly what caused the complications in my pregnancy, but I do know that OUH did not act appropriately or listen to me when I repeatedly sought help. I firmly believe that, had I relied on them again that day when my baby’s movements reduced, I would not have been taken seriously and probably sent home again and my baby might not be alive today.