Hi, I'm new to Mumsnet but found this page and wondered if there was anyone else in a similar position to me. We moved to LA in October and I discovered two weeks ago that I'm pregnant (now 12 weeks). Although it wasn't planned I am excited about the baby. But I'm really worried about having it abroad. I'm 29 and this is my first. Everyone that I have met through work etc is young and single, so now I will have nothing in common with them. I don't know how to make pregnant friends here as there doesn't seem to be any NCT class or anything. I haven't told anyone here yet as don't know them well enough to confide (and I'm worried about the reaction from work).
And on top of that I don't understand how the medical system works, so although we paid to have a first scan, I have to wait for my medical insurance to be processed through work before I can properly register with a doctor.
Any encouragement would be very gratefully received.
Whether you're considering emigrating or an expat abroad, you'll find likeminds on this forum.
Living overseas
Pregnant and lonely
LAbaby · 18/12/2010 07:19
awww its ok. Remember new country new life and new baby can take an emotional toll on you. Get plenty of rest and put your feet up whenever possible.
Dont be worried about telling people at work. Give yourself time to adjust to the idea and then you can be ready to tell them.
I remember when i was pregnant with my first at i use to wonder how people would react. But everyone was so supportive and actually helped me out a lot more because i was pregnant. ie. offered cups of water/tea, picked up heavy boxes for me etc
New systems can be hard to adjust to just ask questions medical staff, collegues etc people will be willing to help. Google is the next best thing.
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There will be some mum to be or mother/baby groups around in your area. Just pop along. Mums are generally very welcoming.
Remember if your confident in yourself and just ask; everyone else will be more than forthcoming to give you advice or a helping hand.
best of luck :)
One word of warning on US citizenship. The US is one of the only countries in the world that applies federal tax liability on the basis of citizenship, not residency. That means, if you're an American citizen, even if you haven't lived or worked in the US for years, you are still required to file your federal income tax annually.
There are a number of exemptions, so unless you are a high earner, you probably won't have to pay double tax. But you still have to file every year - which can be a painful, complicated process. Don't suppose the IRS will hunt you down overseas if you fail to file, but it can affect US passport renewal and ever relocating to the US if you don't.
Anyway, it is something that you and your DH might want to look into a bit further...
My DD has dual US/UK citizenship and I often feel guilty that she's inherited US tax agony from me 
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Great attitude about signing up for every class you can find. It really is easy to make friends when you've got pregnancy or babies in common! Good luck!
I'm British, pregnant and living in America too. You should join us on the Living in America thread as there are lots of people with really useful info on it. If you are concerned about citizenship then check out the UKinUSA website of the British embassy. It will give you all the info you need about registering births, applying for passports for the baby etc.
Mostly congratulations on the pregnancy and the move! 
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