This baby was the little miracle our families had been waiting for. Pregnancy didn’t give me the ‘glow’ I was hoping for. Some people make it seem like it should be enjoyed every second of every day. However, mine was treated with a few scares right from the get go and numerous trips to triage, along with a low-lying placenta that thankfully, well maybe not so thankfully after all, moved at the last minute.

It’s ironic that I was once a lawyer on One Born Every Minute. I watched loads of births; unedited. I looked aghast at the ones that went wrong; the worst of which became my first birth experience: shoulder dystocia. A process not unlike a calf being extracted forcibly from its mother by a strong-armed vet, and with as little dignity. 

My name is Malissa Aiken, and I am sharing my birth experience which began on 28th December 2025 during my 40-week midwife check-up at the hospital.

I sat in my London City office, late in my twenty-third week of pregnancy, with a dull ache in my back. The pains were light—moderate at most. But as the day wore on, I noticed they were coming at regular intervals. Not just regular—they were coming in waves. By nightfall, the discomfort had wrapped around from my back to my front. Contractions.

I have been fighting for my life since the day I was born. I have read my neonatal notes: ‘0% chance of survival’, ‘very likely to die’, yet here I am: 33 years old – recovering from my 6th surgery in three years.

I'm Tiffany, and I'm 30 years old. I had my first child at 20 and my second at 23. Before having my children I had classic IBS symptoms and I'd have times where I'd get overheated and feel faint and knew that I had to get to the loo. I had my firstborn age 20. The birth was quick, and I was in shock. I was young, scared and had no idea what to do.

In January 2024, I went into triage at 40+6 for my fourth episode of reduced movements since 28 weeks. However, I had a bedside scan in triage and they found I had only the tiniest pocket of fluid left – the rest had gone. This was probably why my daughter was moving considerably less.

I went into hospital for a growth scan – all normal. During this appointment they took my blood pressure as it had been high at my last few midwife appointments.

I went into hospital for a growth scan – all normal. During this appointment they took my blood pressure as it had been high at my last few midwife appointments.

20 years ago, I was given a tour of the maternity ward before the birth of my daughter. The first room I was shown as I was walked into the ward on the right, was the Bereavement Suite.

Both of my children were born at Northampton General hospital. My daughter was born in March 2006 and my son January 2008. My daughter was in back-to-back position. Meconium was present. I was screaming that I wanted to die because the pain was horrendous. I was given pethidine with no effect

After a traumatic first birth with a 3b tear and operation I was petrified of giving birth again. I opted for an elective c section to try and get more control.
My elective c section went badly wrong.

I had a healthy pregnancy until I reached 36 weeks, when a scan found the baby was on the bigger side. I went into labour nine days before my due date, and was repeatedly turned away from the hospital until eventually being admitted. I was given medication for raised blood pressure, as well as gas and air, which did nothing for the pain.

I’m Chloe and I'm 31 years old. I had my daughter in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. I suffer with PTSD due to the birth trauma and it’s extremely hard now as I am expecting my second daughter later this year.

I went into labour with my first child on a Sunday morning, and managed well through the day at home. By the evening the contractions were becoming more painful, and being unsure, we went into hospital.

My partner and I decided to start trying for a baby and were very lucky to fall pregnant quite quickly. I had morning sickness but I was never sick – a very normal and healthy pregnancy. I never made a birth plan to save disappointment and my midwife fully supported this.

I was 17 when I found out I was pregnant. I was very shocked at first but always dreamed of having a beautiful baby and family so I decided to keep my blessing.

After having IVF and a rough pregnancy, something I now realise they don't prepare you for is if complications arise during labour.

After a 10-year gap, the news had arrived. I was expecting my second child. I was extremely excited about it all, especially as I had recently completed my midwifery degree. I was confident this time round I knew my options and rights and I was determined to have full control over my birth. However, that is not exactly the way the story ended

I can’t say being a mother was something I had always dreamed of. There was always a nagging voice in the back of my mind telling me there is no chance I can take care of a child because I can barely take care of myself. Yet there I was, lying on a hospital bed with a midwife’s hand inside me and a thin blue sheet separating me from the other expectant mothers in the room.