December 2012 Due Dates

Good morning ladies, Just thought I would jump on board - Im 19+2 today. I have my anomaly scan next week and was just wondering if anyone could shed any light on it please? How long does it last? Should you eat beforehand or no? Do they recommend a full bladder or not? I know when I eat, bubs tends to get active so I dont want there to be too much activity going on in case they cannot scan the areas that need to be scanned lol. Have another scan this evening so hoping to know the gender 100% at that stage. We have an idea so far but waiting for 100% before we get excited and start planning! Hope all is going well for all of you ladies!

So I think I have either a shy one or a stubborn one ahead! The munchkin would not uncross its legs. So, we received a "80% change it's a girl" I'm afraid of starting a full shopping blitz until I have a little more certainty. So, am using my last visit with Dr. Tank (am now fully registered for my regular visits at AH-Dubai) this week on Wednesday to request the more intrusive ultrasound and get confirmation once and for all! It's even worse that I have to eat a snack right before the ultrasound to get the munchkin to move around. Oh my, what lies ahead with this one! LOL! Everyone else know what they're having? Off topic -Is anyone here involved with the American Women's Group in Abu Dhabi?

Hi everyone, finally tomorrow morning I have my 16th week scan. Dr George, who did my NT scan at 12 weeks told me 85-90% the baby is a girl. I don't know why I am still not too sure about it. So tomorrow I'll ask Dr. Braithwaite what she thinks ......2 is better then 1. I feel great, no uncomfortable symptoms in the past 4 weeks what so ever!!!! My belly is coming out bit by bit. Surprisingly I haven't gained any weight during the first trimester and 1 and half kilo until now. That's not bad considering the amount of pasta I'm eating hiiiihihh I hope you all are enjoying your pregnancy. Take care :))))))

Wow - just went back and read my last post. Pregnancy brain for sure - riddled with typos. Pardon the brain spazzes! :)

Hi ladies – we finally unpacked our scale, so for the first time am getting to keep a good eye on my weight. At 16 weeks now and have gained 8 lbs. I gained most of that as soon as we moved to Abu Dhabi. We were living out of the Beach Rotana until our house was ready…and since I was feeling particularly picky with food, my fail safes consisted of friend & unhealthy easy food –chicken fingers, French fries and lots of hot chocolate! For now, it seems to have slowed pace some. Gaining ½ lb a week or so. Back home, we were very good about cooking all of our meals during the week at home…and from healthy recipes. It’s a little harder here as some ingredients have been difficult to find (ex. Where the heck can I buy dried dill?) We’ve been trying out all of the area grocery stores to see which suits us best. As we’re out in Golf Gardens, Abela (Etihad Plaza) and Spinney’s (Al Raha Beach) have been easy for little things. We found that Spinney’s to be cheaper than Abela, but contain slightly less of the American products we use, but have a better pre-packaged meat section-though they don’t have a deli. The main deli guy at Abela grossed me out twice..two visits in a row…once buy coughing and hacking over the beef he was packaging for us, and the other time by smashing a whole chicken rather than cutting it up when we asked for pieces-the chicken stayed intact…but with completely broken bones. So, for specialty meat purchases, I prefer the big Spinney’s in Khalidiyah. We’re from the Southern US, so pork roasts and generally…pork products are a staple  I compare Carrefour in Mushrif to Wal-Mart back home. It’s a pain in the neck to get through – I usually finished drained – but household products and cleaning supplies are way cheaper here. So, grocery shopping day usually means 3 stores for me…until I can find a one-stop shop. Has anyone in Abu Dhabi registered for Lamaze classes or other pre natal birthing classes? If so, where? Or, where were you considering registering? I know the Corniche offers free classes if you register there, but I am registering at American Hospital-Dubai for the delivery. Suggest registering at Corniche as well to get the free classes? I’m ok paying for classes somewhere else – was hoping a midwife or doula in the area was holding some sort of group classes. Would be nice to meet other couples as well as something to get my DH involved with. I know he’s anxious for something that makes him feel more involved.

Hi ladies, it's so nice to hear the excitement of everyone. I hope to see you all soon :))) Have a great weekend :)))

I unfortunately gained quite a bit during my first trimester. I had a large cyst on my right ovary (8cm) and was ordered no exercise, excessive movement, nothing other than sleeping with my husband, and I was told to not even kneel to pray. So needless to say, that going from working out 4+ days a week to feeling like I was sedentary, has put a severe dent in my no more than 35 pounds (a little under 16kilos ) gained during pregnancy. So now, at a bit over 18 wks, I've put on 7.2 kilos... Talk about a blow to my self esteem, as I'd lost nearly 20 kilos before my February wedding... I just keep reminding myself that after the baby is here breast feeding, continuing a proper diet, and then at least walking with the baby as soon as possible, I'll be able to shed that weight rather quickly. It's still difficult to me to not be body conscious, as I'm nearly 6ft tall and was a size 12-14 prior to pregnancy.

Hello mums :) I wanted to share my ultrasound picture at 16 weeks and 3 days. http://m1259.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/Hassli/1341253619.jpg.html?o=0&newest=1 Tell me if it is really a boy or there is a chance that it is a girl? I read a lot of articles that sometimes gender prediction based on ultrasound is incorrect.. What do you think? Am I in blue team? Or will be in pink team? Excited on my anomaly scan this coming 28th July :) Hope to see your ultrasound pics too :) edited by Hassli on 02/07/2012 <em>edited by Hassli on 02/07/2012</em>

Is it Thursday yet? 18 wks tomorrow... Didn't I just find out? Where does time go? I'm hoping baby cooperates so on the 13th when we fly to the states I can arrive with the news! Super excited.Hope everyone is having a great week!

@TexLady - I love Dr. Braithwaite! She's very nice! I went to her based on recommendations and didn't even consider another OB and I found these recs to be spot on. She's very open to whatever kind of birth you want and has a quiet, calming, we-won't-worry-about-it-until-we-face-it kind of attitude. I've come in with some worst case scenarios about my condition and she jokes and tells me to put the computer down and quit googling. :P I've heard of other doctors doing this, but I love that she gives out her cell phone number and email. I've emailed her a few times and she always responded fairly quickly. I'm only four appointments in, but I would definitely recommend her.

Wow! So exciting to see everyone getting gender results. We find out in 2 weeks...or 3 depending on which doctor gives us results. @FloridaGirl - How do you like Dr. Braithwaite at AH? We're registered to meet with her in 2 weeks - then we have our standard follow-up back in Abu Dhabi with Dr. Tank. We're not making any trips home before the birth. The flight over at 10 weeks was stressful and long. I just couldn't do it until the baby arrives. We're actually not planning on flying home until next July. As our company offers us one flight home per year, we opted to use that credit towards a babymoon to Phuket, Thailand. I cannot believe how cheap the flights there are from here!! We're making our first shopping (we've been browsing for weeks) trips to Pottery Barn Kids in Abu Dhabi for the basic furniture. We visited Mammas & Pappas and MotherCare. We'll likely do most of our shopping except for furniture there. Are there any options here for registries so that family & friends from outside UAE can shop from? We're going to give Pottery Barn Kids a try for that reason - but expect to not be able to register for anything that can be easily shipped from the US. My homesickness is starting to subside as we get our house in order and finish unpacking. Was in a strange stage between tourist and living here. However, still feeling a bit oversensitive. Have warned DS (like he needs warning after my frequent crying bursts). He did his best to get us settled in as quickly as possible.

We found out last week that that baby is a BOY! :D Now I can't wait to head back to the States in three weeks to fill up some empty suitcases! Has anyone registered at Al Wasl/Latifa just in case? I'm seeing Dr. Braithwaite at AH and when I asked her, she said I should go ahead and do so. (I'm at a slightly higher risk of preterm labor.) There's just so much conflicting information on here that I don't know what is true or not.

Hi everyone! my due date is on new year's eve..this is my 3rd pregnancy and life is just chaotic at the moment trying to juggle 2 kids & work at the same time while feeling not so great at this stage. im starting week 14 tomorrow and symptoms havent subsided yet.. wondering if this is going to stay all the way through... i used to see Dr. Wafa at Medcare but decided to change to Dr. Janaki @ Welcare, my first appointment with her is tomorrow, i hope it goes well...

Hi Ladies :) Hope all are well and having a great weekend despite the Hot Weather... I just had my fourth month (16 weeks and 3 days) check up with Dr. Purnima at CH. I find her nice.. Before the usual Scan, we ask of she will be able to tell us the gender.. But she said, gender check will be part of the detailed scan. It jut so happen my baby is in a very good position and from the monitor we know it is a Boy 100% Because, we already know the gender, me and my husband is thinking if we need to go for the detailed organ scan including echocardiography (19th week to 22 weeks). How important is this test (it cost 1200aed and my insurance does not cover the same). Take care. :)

@Dangerous Blonde- Don't worry, you're not in the boat alone; I haven't been able to sleep well for quite some time now. I don't really have a big bump at all...I honestly feel like I look like I ate one too many cheeseburgers. It'll come, not to rush things I'm told. Sometimes I think I've felt the baby move, other times I think I'm imagining it. As it's my first baby, I'm clueless. @TexLady- Welcome to the board. It's nice to have some where to compare and talk through things; though I'd like to do so more often honestly. I'm seeing Dr.Afaf at Health Plus off 11th and 28th in AD. The doctor is by far the most personable doctor I've encountered within my almost 2 years here in AD (I arrived Sept 11, 2010). We'll be delivering at a new hospital that will be opening hopefully soon near to our doctor, otherwise, we'll be delivering at Al Noor downtown AD. I'm still in the dark about the whole registering thing. If I've been seeing a doctor there, shouldn't that be enough? I mean, I don't know when our baby is going to decide to make its appearance. As for our stats: Married: Nov 7th in States (contract/Ohio marriage license), Feb 24th in Abu Dhabi (formal, big ceremony; white dress day) Career: Former Chef, Currently KG Teacher Originally from: Ohio, USA EDD: December 2 (UAE National Day) 17wks 4 days today :) ---Praying that baby decides to be a bit early or a day or two late, I don't want to deal with traffic on National Days while in labor!! I cannot wait for my next appointment next Friday! I really hope that we can tell the gender. Also hoping that the doctor will make a video of the scan so I can take it back to the states and show my family on holiday. Wishing everyone the best!

Hi ladies, So relieved to have found this board! We've just arrived a month ago from the US. We're 15 weeks along with our first baby! Very excited! The first part of the pregnancy was a little rough. We tried for a very long time - and after assisted therapy - conceived twins. Sadly, we lost one at 8 weeks. My DH had already relocated ahead of me, so I had to moved 2 weeks later. Now, as we're starting to see the little bub move around on ultrasound pictures and we've crossed into the 2nd tri, a feeling of relief is starting to rush in...along with panic about not having "enough" time to get ready for the baby's arrival...especially in a country new to me! Excited to find out gender in a few weeks and get started with all the shopping! Where is everyone else from? How long have you been in AD? We've moved to Golf Gardens, but both work downtown - anyone else live on that part of town? Here are our stats: Me - 31, DH-32 EDD: Dec 20 - 15 weeks today! Seeing Dr. Tank at Swedish Hosptial since I arrived and for regular visits Registered to see Dr. Braithwaite at American Hospital - Dubai for delivery No morning sickness in 1st tri Now - pretty picky eater - though pre-pregnancy, I would regularly eat food truck / taco stand food without a 2nd though 2nd tri hunger has struck - though mostly concentrated to mornings and before standard meal times 1st tri was a sleep fest - now, still not able to stay awake past 9pm Can swear I feel little weird movements - doc assures me it's still to early :) - eh, what does she know anyway, right!?! :-)

17 wks 3 days...It's been a little while since I've signed on to the site, missed reading everyone's posts about their adventure! Last doc visit showed our little break dancer in 4d real time; I honestly didn't know 4d was an option lol. Happily the baby is healthy as far as we can tell. Opted not to do any of the additional tests. I figure it's not going to change my love for my child either way, so why waste the money? Hoping that our next appointment on the 5th of July shows us what the baby is; my husband won't stop asking for the count down. I'm glad he's excited! Mood swings are driving me crazy! I cry at the drop of a hat! Anyone else still experiencing this? Hope everyone is well!

Hi Dangerous Blonde, thanks. How far are you? Do you know already the ***? I mean 100%? I knew the *** of mine few weeks ago but it was 85-90%...but I'm waiting the next scan to confirm......so excited!!!! Definitely worth to check those shops :))))) Byeeeeee:)

Hi Ladies, My EDD is 26th December, a Christmas baby!!! :) We're so excited! We just started telling family and friends this week, so i'm a little hyper active as we've been trying to get pregnant for years. We had the NT screening test done last week at my registered hospital and it cost 2600AED, as my insurance say they only cover routine scans, but it was worth every penny!! We got to see every inch of our wriggly baby boy. I have been really lucky so far as my only symptoms have been the urge to cry at the slightest thing (at least once a day) and an obsession with Melon and Moutabel. Oh...and let's not forget my huuuuge boobs. :s I hope all you future mummies are keeping well, massive congrats to you all!!!

Hi everyone, my name is Giuliana and I'm 14 weeks pregnant. It's so nice to see there are many other ladies due in Dec. I would love to meet you on te next coffee morning. Is it every Thur right? See you soon :)))))

Thanks to all of you for replies. Looks like we r late for that NT scan... we are 16w now But when i was on my regular appointment on 13w5d i asked Dr to check the baby's neck and she said that it was normal. She had never mentioned any scan or blood tests. Yesterday i went to see another dr - Dr Ulrich from Wellcare and i think i am gonna stick to him. I liked him, he wasnt not in rush, asked me many questions and answered mine, unlike my previous dr, thou she is also good, but i always felt with her as if i am just another patient. Dr Ulrich told me that the next appointment he would do that special scan which they do at 18-23 weeks, which not covered by insurance and cost 1200 but might be reimbursed, not sure thou.. By the way I googled the Fetal Medicine Centre and on the website you may find all info on the scans they do ... so if interested read about it.

Hi ladies, Just to add to the below post, the NT scan is not invasive at all. It is just an abdominal scan, like any other scan but it is longer as they check more than the run of the mill scan. They measure the baby all over :) but specifically measure the fold at the back of the neck to measure thickness of the skin there and also how much fluid is present. These are both indicators of DS & the other conditions mentioned below. The scan results are combined with a blood result to give you an approximate idea of how high your chances are of having a baby with any of these conditions. But the NT scan in itself is not invasive. Should your results indicate high chances of you having a baby with any of these conditions, then they will recommend further tests which ARE considered invasive. However the NT itself is just like any other scan. Whether this is reimbursed is generally at the discretion of your insurance company. HTH!

Hello ladies, I hope u r enjoying the long weekends with your families :) I have got a question - has anyone done any special tests , like those for down syndrome, where did u do it? I heard about the clinic next to city hospital ... and it will cost like 2000 + there.. We did this test. (NT scan.) It gives you a risk assessment for Down's Syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. They were also able to tell if the spinal column had closed (spina bifida) and if the kidneys were working. This test cost 1500aed at the Fetal Medicine Center next to City Hospital. You can only do it until 13w6d.

Hello ladies, I hope u r enjoying the long weekends with your families :) I have got a question - has anyone done any special tests , like those for down syndrome, where did u do it? I heard about the clinic next to city hospital ... and it will cost like 2000 + there.. Hi Molu, This is a very good and long weekend :) I haven't done any special test / scan yet and actually interested if it will be covered by my insurance. I heard about this FMC... Fetal medicine and Generic Center in Healthcare City (http://www.my-baby.net/#) and they offer a series of diagnostic scan. By the way, has anyone craving for cold stuff like ice cream? Will it be bad for pregnant women? I heard and read different views on this matter :) Take care ladies :)

Hello ladies, I hope u r enjoying the long weekends with your families :) I have got a question - has anyone done any special tests , like those for down syndrome, where did u do it? I heard about the clinic next to city hospital ... and it will cost like 2000 + there..

Hello everyone, Would like to join your group . We r expecting our first baby on 8 Dec 2012. So excited. Have been to dr. 3 times, already suspect the gender (90%) :) . Was lucky to avoid morning sickness. But caught cold 2 times, last week so severe that had to take antibiotik :(. Prayinng for baby hope gonna be healthy and wont get affected. So far gained 2 kg, though eating very well. Looove meat, cant see chicken and sweets.

Hello Mommies :) @florida girl - great... I am also 13 weeks and 1 day :) my EDD is 12/12/12 but as per the last ultrasound, my EDD is 20th Dec. how about u? @buckeye - happy birthday to you!!! :) I know the feeling too... When my husband see the first ultrasound he is speechless.. He also just stare :) great, that you found a very nice doctor. I just called city hospital and ask if they squeeze me to dr Elsa schedule anytime anyday for month of june. They say they will call me back if someone cancels.. so for meantime I will be with dr. AZzizunisa. Does anyone tried her? My confirmed booking with dr. Elsa is aug. so, means to say need to be seen by other doctor. @dangerous blond - your so lucky .. You knew the gender as early as 12 weeks.. Me need to wait till end of this month and they say, it might be on the 5th month depends on baby's position... Good to know you are doing well and no longer high risk :) Happy pregnancy weekends everybody :)

Hello again to all the beautiful mommies-to-be. 14 weeks 4 days today; it's my 30th birthday...(Sigh to the latter). Wednesday, had another check-up, but this time with the most amazing doctor! I love her! Several of my co-workers recommended her; Dr.Afaf at Health Plus in AD. It was such a refreshing moment to have a doctor look at me, see me, and actually talk to me; about my health, my thoughts & concerns, my family history, etc. Definately a change to what I've experienced thus far in AD. Anyway, I digress, this was the first time my husband was to hear the heartbeat; I was beside myself with excitement for him to finally experience something "more real" other than my emotional roller-coaster. When she did the ultrasound, my husband was more blown away that there, small as it was, was a little tiny baby, doing some serious fist-pumps and leg kicks! He just stared at the big-screen, with this big grin on his face. I wish I had a camera! It was precious. Yet, because of all the activity, we couldn't determine the gender of the baby. That's fine with me, I like the suspense. I can't wait to finally feel that tiny little miracle move. And yes, we've definately moved on to some larger pants. Not fun, seeing as before my wedding in Feb. I worked so hard to lose weight and now, I'm back in my "fat" jeans from when I moved to the UAE in 2010. Blow to the ego, but my husband is wonderful in reminding me that I'm not fat, I'm pregnant and will always be beautiful to him. Late night heartburn still there...I'm afraid for when my Tums (antiacids from the States) will run out. And my "lovely pregnancy glow" can fade any time; I haven't broken out on my chin like this since I was 16! Other than that, things are great! All of you???

13 weeks today! :D Where are you going for pre-natal class? Either with a doula or at the American Hospital. Will you opt to deliver the baby here in Dubai? Or Back home? Here! What brand of vitamins and milk you are taking? Rainbow Light Prenatal and calcium citrate Do you have pets and if yes, how you manage taking good care while you're pregnant? 2 cats. DH scoops when he's here but he travels a little bit for work. I just wash my hands after dealing with the litter. What is your usual meal plan? Whatever DH cooks since I'm a horrible cook. We've been eating out a lot recently though. I've been snacking on a lot of fruit. How do you keep the house tidy while pregnant? Tidy? Ha! I do what I can when I get the motivation. It helps do do a little at a time and not everything all at once. Do you have plans how to manage as a working mom after delivery? I don't work now and plan to continue not working once I have the baby. Have you ever thought that Sonogram (which is also ultrasound) is harmful for us? I think this is untrue. We're told to take so many precautions and not eat certain foods or take certain medications but I've never seen ultrasounds on any list. If it were harmful, why would they use them? I think any risk is so, so small that seeing that your baby is healthy, moving, has a heartbeat, and is without any birth defects outweighs any negatives. I'm scanned at every appointment and will continue to do so if it's offered to me.

Hello everyone :) Hope everything is fine and well :) It's already June 2012... 6 months more and it will be December 2012... (sight...) Where are you going for pre-natal class? Me, Maybe Cityhospital Finally, my DH sorted the insurance and we bought one..so thinking to go to city hopital. I heard Dr. Elsa is very good and will have a August slot..... Will call them if they can manage to squeeze me for my fourth month check up end of June or early July which I doubt..but still will still try. Will you opt to deliver the baby here in Dubai? Or Back home? Me, here.. It is expensive to go back home and we are only allowed for 45calendar days maternity leave. I will used my annual leave and have some unpaid leave. (will be back to office when my baby is already 3 months old) What brand of vitamins and milk you are taking? Me, caltrate, pregnacare and Pro PL for milk :) Do you have pets and if yes, how you manage taking good care while you're pregnant? Me, i have 3 adorable persan cats (all adopted) which gives me joy everyday.. (i played with them and talked to them about my baby and that there will be a new member of our home).. My DH cleans the litter tray. I wah my hand as often as possible. What is your usual meal plan? Me, dont have any. I usually buy homecooked food from outside. My DH opt for delivery as I dont have time to cook.. (so tired after work..from 8 to 6pm) but, during weekends i do try to cooked some veggies :) and some good food for my DH. How do you keep the house tidy while pregnant? Me, weekly vacuum and mapping for 1bedroom hall flat...All lifting and heavy work is done by my DH, the rest would be me :) but still, having pets, need a daily cleaning but we cant manage that... Do you have plans how to manage as a working mom after delivery? Us, we are still unsure how.. Shall we get a permanent ? Part time maid ? I will take care of our baby on the 3 months, then My mom will be here only when I go back to work for three months then we are clueless whats the next plan... Nursery as early as 6 months old??? Oh, sad for my baby now... I watched a lot of youtube videos about delivery and wishing i will deliver normally with epidural. (wish my placenta is in the correct position soon as I am more afraid of C.S.) Have you ever thought that Sonogram (which is also ultrasound) is harmful for us? My DH told me to inquire for the same, as my farher inlaw say it is actually not good for me and the baby... I read in the internet and got more confused :( some said it is harmful and can cause some defects, some said it is ok and necessity to aid the doctors. I winder how about those High Risk Pregnancy, they require not just a monthly scan. (confused... I have 4 sonogram now (6 weeks and 4 days (april 26), then after 6 days as i have bledding so they check inside if everything is alright, then 11weeks and 3 days (may 26) then 3 days afterthat as i went to new doctor for a possible UTI.) now, im worried, are these bad. I keep praying that Hope All is well for my baby. Now, i am thinking is I should ask my new doctor not to scan me every month.... (confused) Hmmmm.. Having a little colds now.. wish it will go away by just water theraphy :) My prayers for us for a healthy pregnancies :) Godbless:) (this is long post :) sorry guys... I'm up since 430am and cant go back to sleep.. Been thinking too much lately...i Had my milk and will iron clothes now.. Bye :))