pregnant in a foreign country

[ursigurke]

Hi! I'm Austrian living in the UK and I thought it might be nice to get in touch with other pregnant foreigners here in the UK or British women in other countries. I suppose the own system always seems better as it is more familiar but I guess in the end, there are lots of happy babies everywhere.
I do not really know what is going to happen, I've seen the GP when I knew I was pregnant but he only wanted to know in which hospital I wanted to have my baby. It seems to be necessary before getting any kind of advise or examination.
He didn't explain me what will happen eventhough I told him that I was not familiar with the British system and that it was my first pregnancy. To tell him about my choice, the receptionist only asked me to write him a note so now, I guess I have to wait until being contacted (hopefully within the next 8 months )
One other thing, could anybody explain me all those shortcuts used on this homepage? I probably figured out some of them but I'm not sure...

sandra - when I had my first baby 14 years ago I was kept in for a week to establish bfing! Even with the second it was 4 days. And 3 days with no 3 8 years ago. I guess things have changed a lot since then.

Hi ladies, I am an Australian living in London. Have been here for 5 years. I do agree the hand-off approach by the doctors and midwifes is a bit annoying, especially when you want things done quickly and efficiently, but so far everything has progressed pretty smoothly..... Do any of you ladies live in London? :)

AlexTasha I am actually heading back to London for the birth.

What hospital are you booked at?

I am a Canadian living in Egypt and am 10weeks pregnant. I am thinking about going to the Uk to have the baby ( my dh is British) because here they almost always have c- sections - something I really want to avoid. My first pregnancy went really well and I had a drug free delivery, and i'd really like another one.

Alligatorpie Do you mean expats in private hospitals having c-sections?

Grüss Got!

I'm now 36 weeks pregnant and had to reeaaaallly get used to the system (and the state of the hospitals...) here. All a bit more old fashioned then in Holland. But hey, I can live with that.

In the end, everybody has been very nice and my health visitor already came to our home to meet us and speak about what happens after birth.

You will learn about all the procedures and terms they use. Just ask whenever you don't understand something and people will explain.

Good luck!

alligatorpie C sections are common here (am in Cairo) but its not mandatory, Im sure you can find some good places. I can try and find out for you if you like.
I was pregnant in Egypt but went home to UK to give birth just to be with family.

katkouta out of interest when did you fly back to the UK and when did you return to Egypt? What about your DP? Where did you stay back in the UK?

I only ask as I am off overseas to join my husband shortly for what is supposed to be a very long holiday (12 weeks!) but could be increased if his contract is renewed..... I will be flying out at 20 weeks and am really wondering about how I would cope over there with him but no family/friends or back in the UK without him!!

interested to hear from others who have been through this!
thanks

I am living in Africa at the moment but am returning to the UK to have my baby in a couple of weeks when I will be 27 weeks. I am returning at 27 weeks as some airlines can be a bit funny about you flying after 28 weeks. I will be staying with family. I decided to go back to the UK as the healthcare system here is not too good as I am 35 and rather overweight I felt it would be safer to come back. My DP is remaining in Africa and will be coming over just before the baby is due. I know it will be really hard for me without him but he works long hours here and I don't have any family or friends (not been here that long) and think having a bit of support before and after the baby is born is really important.

SirCharles I flew back when I was about 4 months I think. My DH came with me, we rented a flat. Am only back here atm for a long holiday/family visit.

I think I would have found it hard to be with only DHs family, much as I love them, they have very different opinions and traditions on all things baby! Where would you be?

My info is only anecdotal, but every woman I gave spoken to ( mostly Egyptian, but a few Europeans), who have said they wanted a VB, ended up with an emerg C section. Many women want c sections and that is different, I am not bashing them, I just want a VB.

Katuka, I am in Rehab, I was given a recommendation for a dr in Giza, and one in Heliopolis, but wanted somewhere closer to home. I am seeing an obgyn today, if it doesn't work out I will pm you. Thanks.

How many weeks were you when you went home to deliver? I would like to go at 36 weeks if I can, but will have to wait and see.

Thought I'd join in. I'm 21 weeks pregnant with my first baby and due to move to the US in less than 2 weeks. Trying to get to grips with the US system via info on the Internet and my DH's colleagues but I expect I'll figure it out when we get there. All quite exciting but daunting to think about having a baby without the support of friends and family.

Alligatorpie It very sad I know but this happens with money grabbing doctors. They dont seem to care about the patient or baby just how much money they will make from a c section.Dhs family were all surprised Id had 2 VBs!! Good luck anyway xx

Katkouta - did you get any prenatal testing done in Egypt?

I saw an obgyn yesterday who has 28 years exp who said they will do an ultrasound at 22 weeks to look for congenital abnormalities, but they don't do amnio's in Egypt.

I am concerned as I turned 40 last month and although I have no family history or anything and my first pg went really well, I still want some testing done. I am going to England for Xmas, but I will be 15 weeks then and feel like I should be done this sooner.
Thanks!

I had blood testing and scan (every month!) But no amnio, maybe because of my age (was 28 then) hmmm not sure about that one.