Summary of "Something Was Wrong" – Episode S23 E10: Terror

Released on April 17, 2025 by Broken Cycle Media | Wondery

Introduction

In Episode 10 of Season 23, titled "Terror," Something Was Wrong delves deep into the harrowing experiences of Brianna and Gina Thompson as they navigate the complexities and failings of the birth center they chose for Gina's delivery. This episode sheds light on issues of medical negligence, inadequate care, and the emotional trauma endured by survivors of flawed healthcare systems.

Background and Initial Expectations

Brianna Thompson and her husband decided to pursue a birth center option for Gina's first pregnancy, seeking a balance between hospital medical expertise and a more holistic, personalized birthing experience.

• Brianna: “I was hoping for less of maybe a clinical setting to bring my baby into. I thought the birth center would be a happy medium between the hospital setting and the home birth setting.” [03:39]

They selected Origins Dallas after thorough research, reassured by its proximity to Baylor Hospital (a three-minute ambulance ride) and favorable transfer rates.

• Brianna: “Origins was the only one that took insurance. If I remember correctly, a lot of the other ones had not.” [08:19]

Initial Interactions with Staff

Upon joining Origins Dallas, Brianna had positive initial interactions with the midwives, particularly with Rachel and Ashlyn, who provided a welcoming and supportive environment.

• Brianna: “She was totally cold, and I just remember being like, I have so many questions, and she's out the door.” [03:45]
• Brianna: “I always looked forward to my visits with Ashlyn because I was like, okay, this is the type of midwife I want.” [11:12]

However, inconsistencies began to emerge as the staff changed and interactions with some midwives, like Elizabeth, felt less personal and more detached.

• Brianna: “Elizabeth seemed nice enough. I didn’t feel the same warmth… I just didn’t click with her.” [11:54]

Challenges During Labor at Origins

As Gina's pregnancy progressed, minor health issues were addressed with holistic treatments, which Brianna appreciated for aligning with her health philosophies.

• Brianna: “I was on chlorophyll and sesame seed oil and various other random supplements that a traditional OB would never probably put you on.” [12:26]

However, despite a low-risk pregnancy, signs of potential complications began to surface as Gina's labor extended beyond the expected timeframe.

Onset of Labor and Initial Concerns

Gina went into labor at 8:00 PM on a Saturday, leading to an extended stay at the birth center. Initial contractions were dismissed by the midwife Elizabeth as false labor, offering temporary relief with a bath.

• Brianna: “It was like temporary relief for a few hours, which was nice. But then they hit with a vengeance.” [17:31]

The situation escalated as contractions intensified, leading to significant pain and nausea, without adequate support or effective pain management.

Mismanagement and Medical Negligence

Several critical moments highlighted the mismanagement at Origins Dallas:

1. Inadequate Monitoring:

   • Brianna: “They weren’t monitoring his heart rate. As they should have.” [23:31]
   • Jennifer Crawford: “There was never any consistency. It was never with every contraction.” [23:36]

2. Improper Handling of Pushing:

   • Gina was encouraged to push before her cervix was fully dilated, risking severe complications.
   • Jennifer Crawford: “You could have torn your cervix. And you can hemorrhage and bleed out.” [52:37]

3. Delayed Response and Lack of Support:

   • When Gina expressed extreme pain and the need to transfer to the hospital, the response was slow and uncoordinated.
   • Brianna: “I was on the toilet… being held in pain with no assistance.” [21:16]

4. Edited Medical Notes:

   • Discrepancies between original and edited notes suggested possible attempts to downplay the severity of the situation.
   • Gina: “They went back and changed the notes once they realized that I said I was pushing.” [25:19]

Emergency Transfer to Baylor Hospital

The culmination of inadequate care led to a frantic and painful transfer to Baylor Hospital. Gina had to crawl down stairs barefoot due to lack of accommodations, exacerbating her already dire condition.

• Gina: “I had to crawl hands and knees down the stairs… I was terrified.” [39:14]

Upon arrival, immediate medical interventions were necessary as Gina's baby was struggling to breathe, resulting in a traumatic experience for both mother and child.

• Gina: “He was especially black and blue and purple and not breathing… I was terrified.” [47:58]

Aftermath and Long-Term Impact

Post-delivery, Gina faced significant emotional and physical challenges, grappling with fears about her baby's health and the potential long-term consequences of the mismanaged birth.

• Gina: “I almost put my baby’s life in danger… I screamed like I’ve never felt that emotion before.” [52:08]
• Jennifer Crawford: “Something broke in me… my ability to trust other people, my ability to trust my own choices.” [55:11]

The episode also touches on the broader implications for future pregnancies and the lingering distrust in healthcare providers that resulted from this traumatic experience.

• Gina: “The pain that I was in… my ability to trust other people.” [37:26]

Insights and Conclusions

"Terror" serves as a compelling narrative on the crucial importance of consistent and compassionate healthcare, especially during critical moments like childbirth. It underscores the need for:

• Proper Training and Accountability: Ensuring that all healthcare providers are adequately trained and held accountable for their actions.
• Effective Communication: Maintaining clear and honest communication between patients and medical staff to prevent misunderstandings and negligence.
• Patient Advocacy: Empowering patients to advocate for themselves and seek second opinions when necessary.

Through Brianna and Gina's story, the episode highlights systemic issues within birth centers and calls for reforms to protect and support mothers during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

Notable Quotes

• Brianna Thompson: “I was really furious, and that's what ultimately pushed me to finding a birth center.” [03:39]
• Jennifer Crawford: “You could have torn your cervix. And you can hemorrhage and bleed out.” [52:37]
• Gina Thompson: “I remember laying in the tub and thinking I was going to die.” [34:24]
• Brianna Thompson: “They weren’t monitoring his heart rate. As they should have.” [23:31]

Conclusion

Episode "Terror" of Something Was Wrong poignantly captures the anguish and fear experienced by Brianna and Gina Thompson due to systemic failures in their chosen childbirth setting. It serves as a vital reminder of the profound impact healthcare systems have on individual lives and the imperative need for compassionate, competent, and accountable care.