Having a baby is wonderful, exciting, and hopeful for some. But in other ways, having a baby can be stressful and scary. When one woman on TikTok shared a video of her experience with an ER sonographer early in her pregnancy, it definitely leaned on the scary side, especially since the sonographer’s bedside manner was lacking in many ways.
The woman shared a video she took where you can hear the male sonographer’s monotone voice and what appears to be annoyance at her concern and confusion about not being able to hear her baby’s heartbeat. And it left her feeling uncomfortable.
“This was just mean,” she wrote in the caption of the video, to give some context. “I can’t get over this interaction. Had a worry plus I slipped that morning walking my dog. My first OB apt wasn’t for another 2 weeks so I went in alone bc my husband was out of town for work and was treated this way. Sir if you don’t wanna be a sonographer then don’t?!!! When I express I’m scared and you know I’m bleeding plus slipped… just cruel.”
The woman went to the ER for an ultrasound and the sonographer had a poor bedside manner, to say the least.
@kenziiiim This was just mean. I can’t get over this interaction. Had a worry plus I slipped that morning walking my dog. My first OB apt wasn’t for another 2 weeks so I went in alone bc my husband was out of town for work and was treated this way. Sir if you don’t wanna be a sonographer then don’t?!!! When I express I’m scared and you know I’m bleeding plus slipped… just cruel. #healthcare #healthcareworker #rude #tw #sonogram #pregnant #ER #babyonboard #complaint #hospital #visit #pregnancy #texas ♬ original sound – Kenziiiim
In the woman’s video, she explains with text on the screen that she experienced some concern about her pregnancy. Since her first official appointment wouldn’t be for weeks, and her husband was out of town, she went to the ER alone to get checked out. Instead of being met with reassurance and genuine concern, the ultrasound tech made her feel even more uncomfortable and worried.
When the sonographer says he “can’t see anything” without confirming that the woman has lost her pregnancy, he says they have to perform an internal ultrasound. While most new and experienced parents would agree that sonographers are not there to confirm a pregnancy, the bedside manner of the sonographer did not improve as the exam went on.
When the mom-to-be starts tearing up, he asks if she’s OK. She admits that she’s scared, to which the sonographer replies with confusion and a less than friendly voice, “Of what?”
Other women were quick to come to her defense in the comments under the TikTok.
One commented, “Most men don’t belong in obstetrics or gynecology, and I will die on that hill. Send this to patient advocacy ASAP.”
Another wrote, “The fact he didn’t say anything after you said you’re scared. He has zero bedside manner. My husband would have turned feral.”
Even some celebrities chimed in to share their thoughts on the experience. Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart commented, “That is disturbing, I’m so sorry.”
Content creator Dustin Poynter chimed in with, “RED FLAG GUY HERE. THIS IS NOT OKAY AND MY RESPONSE IS FORTHCOMING.”
For the most part, the users who commented just couldn’t believe the sonographer’s behavior. Plus, they were worried about the possibility he might put another patient in a similarly uncomfortable position.
“I had a male ER doctor tell me I was having a miscarriage ‘and to go home and deal with it,'” another mom commented. “He was fired and that ‘miscarriage’ just turned 15 this year. I’m so sorry that happened to you.”
