Warning: This article contains details of miscarriage which may be upsetting to some readers.
A US woman has spoken out about the terrible ordeal she suffered during a miscarriage in 2014, saying her doctor "laughed" and brushed aside her pain.
As quoted by The Sun, Maryland neuro technician Andrea Leon says she and her husband found out she had miscarried their first child at her 12 week appointment.
Leon was scheduled in for a dilation and curettage procedure, known as a D&C, where the patient is put on general anaesthesia and baby's tissue is removed from the uterus.
"A day before my scheduled procedure, I was having strong jolts of pain and heavy bleeding. This continued for hours, but for me, it felt like an eternity," she said.
"I was rushed to the hospital and had an emergency D&C. The doctor looked into my eyes as I cried in pain, and said 'imagine what real labour feels like', and laughed.
"I felt defeated and helpless, I remember thinking 'Is this real life?'. It was one of the darkest moments of my life."
She said she was "devastated" by the loss and the eight ensuing miscarriages she suffered in the following six years.
Now planning on trying to have a child through a surrogate, Leon aims to educate others about infertility and pregnancy loss on her Instagram page.
"I started this because it helped me cope as I help others with overcoming their losses or infertility," she said.
"I tell them to allow themselves to grieve and dwell in the sorrow but not forever.
"This can be a very lonely journey, especially with ignorant comments and lack of support from loved ones."
In New Zealand around one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage or sillbirth.
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
