Lou: First Birth, Positive NHS Hospital Birth, Precipitous Labour, Gas and Air Only, Gestational Hypertension, White Coat Syndrome, Continuity of Care, NIPT, Second Degree Tear Repaired in Theatre

British Birthing Stories · Oct 27, 2026 · 59m

Lou woke up at half twelve thinking her first labour was only just starting. By the time anyone examined her in triage she was 8cm, and her daughter was born on gas and air at quarter to four that morning.

Lou is a first time mum from northeast London and a former clinical geneticist. She has white coat syndrome, so her blood pressure goes up whenever it’s taken in a clinical setting, and seeing the same midwife, Chloe, every week meant she could take her readings at home. At 38 weeks those readings were higher, and with her mum having had preeclampsia, protocol would have sent her to triage…