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Pregnancy

Ouch...just had first MW appointment in Munich

12 replies

cheechymunchy · 22/08/2007 13:50

my GOD, they're thorough! [winces slightly as she sits at the computer]

OP posts:

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GoodGollyMissMolly · 22/08/2007 14:13

Awww what did they do??

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loopyredangel · 22/08/2007 16:17

Good grief what the hell did they do to you?!?!

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TheGabster · 22/08/2007 22:22

HEY - somebody else in Munich!

Tell me everything!

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cheechymunchy · 23/08/2007 11:29

4 syringes of blood taken from me (I still feel giddy at the thought)BP, weight check, urine sample etc. Then a completely unexpected full internal examination. It probably was best not to know that was coming...No-one's prodded around there like that since DS was born 2 1/2 years ago. Well, DH has obviously loitered around the area at some point, hence the pregnancy, but nothing as brutal as that!!!
Then time for ultrasound. "Fine", I thought. Called up DH to come along to see. MW explains that's going to be done internally as well. The look on my face said it all to her - "this ain't how it's done in Bristol, love." Poor DH hovered behind her as she rummaged around for a decent shot of the baby, trying not to glance at the two foot long appendage hanging out of me!!
Thorough, I'll give the MW that, and very professional, but I really needed a glass of vino after it, which was a no-go. Ah well...
Any other Munich mums out there to hold my hand the rest of the pregnancy? I moved here only two weeks ago (Eichenau, west Munich).

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TheGabster · 23/08/2007 20:58

Your poor love!

Stick with it.

I have not been to a midwife yet (I'm 16 weeks) but if it makes you feel any better, this was pretty much what my first visit to the guyny was like too - although not quite so much blood?!

By way of comradery, I had my Amnio yesterday and have a large purple/blue/black bruise the size of a plum on my poor sore belly. The operator had to leave the needle in me for ages waiting for my "most active baby in the world" to keep still long enough for him to take the sample. Needless to say I have been more comfortable and the fact that he used the more convential type of ultrasound is no consolation!

They are thorough here, but I have lived in/around Munich for 6 years and must say the health service we get is well worth the hastle. You just have to remember that Germans are very outspoken so you will never offend - even if you are sure you are speaking out of turn.

Is now a good time to tell you that by law you have to have a check every 12 months, 6 if you use contraception, and the probe type scan is likely to be used every time?!

Sorry!

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berolina · 23/08/2007 21:03

The transvaginal ultrasound is pretty typical for Germany - I had them until well into second trimester with both my successful pgs, and beyond that to check length of cervix. You do get used to them, I promise Oh yes, the smear-every-year thing... my (NB ex-) gynae did a smear on me this pg at 20 weeks, knowing I had placenta praevia, without waiting for proper consent and although I blimming told her I'd had one at 12 weeks before moving area Result was a big bleed from the placenta and a day in hospital.

Overall, though, I'm very, very pleased with the care I've had. (Am not Munich btw).

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policywonk · 23/08/2007 21:04

WHAT? You have to have an internal exam by LAW??

Blimey. What do the men get?

(Not in Munich, just poking my nose in. Rather glad to be in Surrey, reading this!)

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TheGabster · 24/08/2007 10:25

As usual - as far as I know - the men get off scott free!!

Ho hum - at least we get a long maternity leave here - I think it's possible to get up to 6 years if you want it?! (Somebody correct me if I'm wrong).

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macaco · 24/08/2007 11:20

vaginal scans also happen here in Spain apparently..... Not looking forward to that.

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purpleduck · 24/08/2007 11:32

I was in Germany for a few months of my 2nd pregnancy, and i remember the non - stop internals well!! The upside is that i was monitered every time for my Iron levels, and it made me realise that I was probably deficient with my first . However, I also got massages PRESCRIBED for me, because I had terrible hip pain - fantastic!!!

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NeverEndingPileOfLaundry · 24/08/2007 11:37

Just sticking my nose in, but transvaginal scans are not unheard of in the UK either. It happened to me, and boy was I unprepared!!!

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cheechymunchy · 24/08/2007 12:01

For all my moaning, with hindsight it was a damn sight more professional and thorough here than the UK. Thanks for preparing me for future internal scans. Grrrrrrrrrrrrreat. I'm not sayig I want to even enjoy them, but hopefully they will get more comfortable!

As for the yearly smears - thank the Lord!!! In Bristol it's every 5 years which is disgraceful. I'm actually PLEASED about that.