Pregnancy, Birth, Gynaecological and Obstetric Issues

As females some survivors have experienced gynaecological issues arising from their childhood experience of being sexually abused and some survivors have had emotional and/or physical difficulties during pregnancy.

This is an issue that CIS’ters considers has not been fully researched and have raised concerns that as yet, midwives do not routinely receive training on the topic.

We are very fortunate in that one of our trustees is a midwife who has been moving the agenda forward within the NHS – so change is definitely happening. If you click on the link below, you will be able to see the resource that has been created and which is aimed at helping both expecting mums (who were victims of sexual abuse) and their midwife, to prepare for pregnancy, birth and parenthood. 

Pregnancy, Birth and Parenthood After Childhood Sexual Abuse

The effects of CSA can last a long time and having a baby can be a particularly difficult and lonely time. The above resource shares real-life experiences of pregnancy, birth and parenthood and has been created through the collaboration of women who have experienced CSA, midwives and researchers.

If you are a survivor and have anxieties about this issue then please make contact and we will do what we can to reassure you – as although some survivors have had difficulties, not all do. 

We have also provided a link to one of our Hidden Harm Podcasts, Episode14, in conversation with Kathryn Gutteridge a past president of the Royal College of Midwives.

Hidden Harm Podcast Episode 14 - 'Through the Eyes of a Midwife'

If you are a midwife and would like to learn more about the topic then please contact us.

Jo's Trust - Cervical Screening After Sexual Violence

The above link will take you to a helpful page to do with this difficult issue in partnership with Rape Crisis, it also includes quotes from survivors of sexual violence.