Monday, May 31, 2010

Pregnancy Overseas

All of my pregnancy with Bug#3 has taken place overseas which means that some of the medical care has been a little different from my previous experiences.  If I'm completely honest, I miss Sonic, Cook Out, and Chick Fil A for my pregnancy cravings, and I am slightly anxious about delivering a baby in a place other than America.  I want to remain positive, so here are some of my favorite things about being pregnant overseas:

  • Getting weighed in kilograms. Divide my weight in pounds in half and call it my weight?  Sign me up!

  • Not gaining much weight. Between the fact that I don't have many "craving fulfill-ers" here, and the fact that I walk almost anywhere I need to go, I haven't put on very much weight at all.  That makes for a happy momma!

  • An ultrasound at every appointment. We have seen Bug#3 every time we've been to the doctor.  They don't use a doppler to check the heartbeat, they just look at the baby each time to check everything out.  It's kinda fun!

  • Being treated as a special patient. Today I had my one hour glucose test.  My doctor called when I was back home to let me know the results were normal.  Are you serious? In America, I was told "If you don't hear from us, that means your results are fine." We also rarely have to wait before the appointments.  It's the little things that make you feel like a special patient!  Maybe it's because I'm a foreigner and I pay cash, but for whatever reason, it's nice!

  • I have never seen a cleaner bathroom than the one at my doctor's office. Seriously, I would consider eating off the floor in there.  It looks like the place is scrubbed down after each person visits the restroom!  (Again-- the little things!)

  • Keeping the gender a mystery. This has nothing to do with being pregnant overseas (we could find out if we wished to), but I'm having a great time with the gender mystery.  I almost felt like caving today, but I really look forward to finding out BOY or GIRL on Bug#3's birthday!




I read a birth-abroad-story this weekend that made me feel even more nervous than I already was!  (Especially since I will be having a scheduled C-section, since both my other babies were born by section!)  I am praying that the Lord would comfort my heart and prepare me for Bug#3's arrival-- however He appoints that to happen!  Hence, the "positive thoughts"!  If you have a great birth-abroad-story, I'd love to read it!

8 comments:

Des said...

Hi
I am a Canadian living in Denmark, and I just gave birth to a baby girl this March. I was really nervous about giving birth in general, and this was even worse because everyone I know gave birth in Canada, and the experience was completely different. In Denmark they only use midwives, and I have to say the experience was great! It still freaks my friends out when I say that there was no doctor present. It freaked me out too before I gave birth. However, I just reminded myself that people in this country give birth and do just fine all the time! Eventually I came to the conclusion that just because its different doesn't make it any better or worse. We are already trying to have our second, and I have to say that I am fully confident with giving birth here now, even look forward to it!

Good luck with everything!

Jess said...

I'll try to write my two overseas experiences out sometime soon. :) When I had our now 2-year-old little guy, I wrote out the first two and never got around to blogging about the 2 overseas versions. Hopefully I can accomplish that before this little guy makes his debut in a few weeks. :) And mine went great, just to give you some peace of mind.
~Jess

momfessions said...

Thanks Des for your story! The fact that you're ready to have another one overseas is comforting!

momfessions said...

I would love to read those stories, Jess!

Lori said...

I'm a Canadian, who gave birth in Turkey. It was the best experience of my life, and made me love the country even more. I had started the process in the private health system, but finished with the public/military system (my husbands insurance for me kicked in).

Why was it so good? It was through, the staff was kind and friendly, and it was exactly what I wanted.

My mom, who is a nurse in Canada, couldn't believe how much better things were for me here than they would have been in Canada.

I think the best thing for giving birth in another country is to be relaxed about everything, realize there will be differences and go with it.

Best of luck to you!

Lori
www.afamilyslife.blogspot.com

momfessions said...

That is so great (and comforting)! Thanks Lori!

Priscila said...

Hey friend, you know my birth abroad story. It was nothing like the one you read! It will go great, I'm sure.:) I SO curious to know if its a boy or a girl though!

momfessions said...

Thanks Priscila! I am planning to call you soon 'cause I have LOTS of questions about how things went for you! ;)