In this episode of Fertile Ground, Dr Ruba speaks gently about how she delivers fertility and preconception care to patients who have suffered a traumatic birth or pregnancy experience in the past, to try and help them reach their goals of growing their family. 

As a doctor, Dr Ruba knows that her role is never to push patients, but be there with information and support when they are ready. In this podcast she discusses how the first appointment might go, when a person might know they are ready to try again, and most importantly, some of the ways that risk factors can be improved for the next pregnancy. 

The episode covers complications like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, emergency caesarian births, and other factors including risk factors associated with maternal age. We also discuss how optimising general health can contribute to a healthy pregnancy, and how to manage elevated stress levels during pregnancy when anxiety is understandably high due to past trauma.

Listen to the full podcast for more detailed information! And, please, go gently on yourself while listening if you have suffered a trauma around birth or pregnancy.