A woman has described feeling “traumatised” by the lack of care she received after a miscarriage, highlighting a broader issue of infertility-related trauma. Shelley Romaniuk, 33, struggled with infertility for years before being told she had miscarried during her 12-week scan. She claims she was left alone without support from healthcare services.
Research shows that infertility-related trauma is more common than previously thought, with over 60% of women saying that aspects of their care either caused or worsened their trauma.
The Welsh government responded, saying fertility clinics in Wales must offer counseling before treatment begins. Those needing further support can request a referral from their GP.
Shelley and her husband found out they were expecting their first child nine years ago. During their routine 12-week scan, they learned the baby had no heartbeat. “We were just put in a room, given a leaflet, and left there until someone came in to ask what we wanted to do,” Shelley recalled.
She requested a surgical procedure, dilation and curettage (D&C), to remove the baby but was told there were no appointments available for a week. “There was no offer of support, no therapy, no counseling, and you’re walking away carrying your baby who’s no longer alive,” she said.
While waiting for the D&C, Shelley experienced cramps and went to A&E. “I didn’t make it to the D&C. I lost the baby naturally,” she explained. “But after that, I received zero support and was sent on my way. I was depressed for a long time.”
After 12 years of struggling with infertility, Shelley and her husband sought private fertility treatment and are now expecting a baby girl in a few weeks. However, Shelley believes the lack of mental health support affected her ability to conceive.
“We asked for help constantly, but there was nothing,” she said. “The trauma from that miscarriage and how we were treated stays with you. Even now, going for scans brings it all back.”
Research by Fertility Network UK, Cardiff University, and others revealed that 41% of respondents in the UK were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after infertility.
Dr. Catherine Hill from the Fertility Network UK commented on the findings: “Infertility-related trauma is very common, and it’s a silent trauma in our society.”
Dr. Hill added that in Wales, many patients were only offered one counseling session during their fertility journey. “One session of counseling doesn’t address the depth of the trauma,” she said.
The study also found that long waits for fertility tests in Wales contributed to people’s emotional distress.
Dr. Sofia Gameiro, lead researcher, noted that the care many received during their fertility treatment worsened their trauma. “Over 60% of respondents felt that aspects of their care amplified their trauma, including a lack of empathy and conflicting advice,” she said.
In response, a Welsh government spokesperson acknowledged the mental health impact of infertility and waiting for treatment. They confirmed that two rounds of NHS IVF treatment are available to qualified patients, with the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee ensuring the care is safe, high-quality, and cost-effective.
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