Is this normal?

I’m 10w pregnant today, and a few days ago I experienced severe belly cramps. The pain was so excruciating that I couldn’t continue with my normal activities and ended up crouched over, holding my stomach. My partner called 111 and spoke to a doctor, who advised me to go to A&E which I did.

When I arrived, I explained my symptoms to the nurse checking my blood pressure. I was literally shaking from the pain, but she just looked at me and said, “Well, since you’re pregnant, pain/cramping is normal in pregnancy, so there’s nothing we can do.” As a patient advocate, I asked if she intended to refuse me treatment, or if she could at least provide that refusal in writing. Her tone immediately changed, and she quickly referred me for a blood test.

My experiences with the NHS are usually positive, but this left a bitter taste in my mouth especially when I think about the women who may not be able to advocate for themselves in similar situations.