Laura: First Birth, Difficult NHS Hospital Induction, Hyperthyroidism, Polyhydramnios, Low PAPP A, Forceps Delivery, Episiotomy and Breastfeeding After a Breast Reduction

British Birthing Stories · Mar 16, 2026 · 45m

I had Laura on the pod to share her first birth, and it's one so many women will recognise. Laura has hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, and during her pregnancy she was also flagged for low PAPP A and later polyhydramnios, too much fluid around the baby. Together that made her high risk. She had her heart set on the birth centre but was told she had to be induced on the delivery suite, and that if she didn't, her baby could die. She agreed, on the condition it happened on her due date rather than at 38 weeks.

What followed was nearly three days at Homerton during COVID. Three rounds of…