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.

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Trauma Cards - Also, in 2022, Healthwatch Essex piloted Trauma Cards – wallet-sized cards that a person with trauma can show to a healthcare professional. The cards explain that the holder has experience of trauma, and includes a QR code link to further resources to help the professional/support worker etc provide sensitive, appropriate care.

CIS'ters was so impressed with the initiative that we have cascaded cards produced by Healthwatch Essex to our 500+ Members (who live across England and Wales).  Feedback from them again highlights that it is assisting them when accessing various healthcare settings.

We encourage everyone to look at the website created by Healthwatch Essex, which also includes a picture of their Trauma Card   https://traumahub.uk/

Healthwatch England are campaigning for a wider project.  Following on from the initiative undertaken by Healthwatch Essex, the project has been taken to the next stage by Healthwatch England who published a report in March 2025, calling for a nationwide trauma card funded by the NHS. The report can be accessed here: Can Trauma Cards Help People Access Healthcare?