Went for a 20 week scan yesterday. The sonographer asked me to remove everything apart from my bra and put on a gown.
When I lay down on the table she then pulled up my gown, said 'oh dear' (because I was completely naked) and then went oh, I'll get you a sheet to cover you.
I left some feedback saying that I thought if possible I prefer to remain covered and as she'd asked me to undress completely surely she would remember that I was naked and not just pull my gown up.
In the grand scheme of things I know it's not at all important but it was awkward and avoidable and she didn't need to see me naked, it was just a scan.
And I remember having a baby last time and the midwife who'd seen everything had the respect to look away as I staggered off to to the shower wrapped in a sheet.
I think patient dignity is important and I don't like this idea that you 'leave your dignity at the door' when you have a baby, and everyone has the right to just manhandle your bits and see everything.
I'm in Australia now and the attitude here seems a bit more old-fashioned towards pregnant women i.e. we're the doctor, you're the patient, put up and shut up. I do miss the NHS. 