January 2013 Due Date

Ive been doing yoga and bit of swimming for the last 5 months , am 21 weeks now and have very bad lower back pain, I think its the sciatic nerve , its verrry painful. Other than that I'm trying to do as much as i can before i get very heavy. Is anyone else feeling it hard after a long walk or exercise? I had sciatic pain in my lower back, except that I thought it was just muscle stiffness. My right hip seemed to be stuck with pain. I was only at 20 weeks and already walking like a penguin. During my antenatal class I met the osteopath Dr. Stephen in Medicentre Motor City. I had two sessions - one for the joint and one for the muscle relaxation and the pain is gone for weeks now :) Apparently some joints are not easily loosened by our precious hormones (my least favourite word for the past months) so they require a professional hand. He told me the technique he used can safely be done within the second trimester. I would recommend seeing someone; we don't have to endure ALL the pain!

Hi everyone! Im due 30th Jan so could be a feb baby. Been seeing Dr Britt at City hospital, she has been fantastic so far, such a nice woman and has given us lots of advice on how to cut costs with the appointments. Dont have medical insurance yet, need to contact ADNIC to sort that out asap! Booked a 3D scan at Fetal Medical Center for the 28th Oct which will put me at 26.5 weeks. Has anyone had a 3d scan here? Dont know if I should have waited a few more weeks or if 26 weeks is enough to get a good look at baby. Has anyone taken the maternity tour at city hospital before? Do you just turn up on the friday or do you need to book a place?

Ive been doing yoga and bit of swimming for the last 5 months , am 21 weeks now and have very bad lower back pain, I think its the sciatic nerve , its verrry painful. Other than that I'm trying to do as much as i can before i get very heavy. Is anyone else feeling it hard after a long walk or exercise?

Dear All, Nice to see everyone progressing in their pregnancies :) Just wanted to share there is an Aqua Natal/Yoga Natal class happening this Wednesday Oct 10th at 5pm. Its at the RoccoForte Hotel Mizan spa, supposed to be quiet interesting as a combination of the two- lots of breathing techniques and relaxation too, plus some strength and endurance building. I know they are taking bookings. Should be quiet a nice class... I'm looking forward to it, am now 22 weeks!

Seems like everyone's been quite busy last month; personally the month just flew by for me. Right now I'm 24 weeks and doing great. I had my first appointment at Latifa Hosp last month and everything looked good. Baby of course didn't co-operate and so we are still in the dark about gender. Not that I am in a rush to know actually- it's quite fun not knowing and wondering but people around me are itching to start shopping. Hopefully next time baby will be more willing to share the secret. Doc did mention that I will have to redo the glucose test since I have a very strong family history of diabetes so that's one thing I am not looking forward to. Fasting, having to drink that nasty sugary drink and waiting 4hours all equals to a very very unhappy me:( As for baby prep, thankfully we are doing quite well. My sister-in-law had a baby last year so we'll be using quite a bit of her stuff. So far we have the changing table+crib (bought on dubizzle for 200dhs), vibrating seat, newborn bath, 2 play mats, walker and a whole bunch of clothes that will only be used if baby is a boy. My husband is insistent we stock up on baby wipes and diapers but I think it's a bit too early. Of course he didn't listen to me and last trip to London he picked up a couple. One area of baby shopping that has been hard is the baby travel system. I've looked at most brands and just can't seem to like any. I have a Mclaren for my 3yr old that I love and frankly any other stroller seems HUGE compared to it. If anyone has any suggestions on a good travel system that isn't too heavy or difficult to use and won't break the bank I'd love to hear them. Hope all you ladies are doing great.

Hi hopingx, Sorry for late reply. Registering at Corniche wasn't too difficult, you need copy of marriage certificate, passport copies with visas for you and your husband, and your medical card. You can choose from either a midwife or a Dr. which ends up being a Team of Dr's. I was recommended Dr. Blott's team (she is from UK and new to Corniche but highly recommended). Is anyone else out there Abu Dhabi based?? If so, would be interested to know more about any groups or classes etc. Have just called up Body Tree for Pre-natal yoga and pilates which I think I will start next month - need to get Dr. approval before registering.

Hi! We organise loads of coffee mornings as well as bumps and babes weekly get togethers... Check out the calendar here http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_events_whats_on.aspx Hope to see you there!

Hi everyone. New to expat woman. I am also due end of jan with number 2. First baby was born back in Australia so Looking for some advise on where most expats give birth here in Dubai. I am currently seeing dr Jennifer at Welcare Hospital, she seems great but I do not know of anyone who has given birth there. Has anyone on given birth there or know of anyone? Also where are some other popular choices where people have had positive experience? Would also love to meet up for coffee with other mums due around the same time, if there is a coffee morning somewhere? :) Thanks

Hi Masafi Mama, I have seriously tested every single travel system pram available. They all have good and bad points. I always said I'd get a bugaboo so was very disappointed when I didn't find it easy to put up down. iCandy have a really good range. In the end I've chosen the iCandy Cherry, it does everything we need, I like the colours, it's compact plus the shop had it in stock which means no 2/3 month waiting! My mum is kindly going to bring it with her when she visits :-) Scan was brilliant although we still don't know the gender, we have a baby who likes to keep itself covered :)

Hi everyone, just spent a week in London looking at baby things. My aim was to make a decision on a stroller but I've arrived home with more strollers added to my list. I wish there wasn't such a huge choice :) Still not feeling any kicks but I have finally started to show a little bit. I have my scan today, very nervous and excited. Hopefully we'll find out the gender. Great idea about the FB page, I've sent a request to join. <em>edited by sammy1978 on 02/09/2012</em>

Hello Ladies, congratulations, so pleased everyone is doing so well :-) I am due end of January 2013, first timer at 37 yrs old - with no idea about anything, 20(ish) week scan mid september. I am working in London for the summer -would love to meet people when I'm back if anyone is popping along to any of the coffee mornings or anything? Take care til then xxx

Hi everyone, hope you are all well. I've just arrived back from a fab holiday in the UK. Ruby_A - We must be due around the same time. I'm 19 weeks today. I have also started feeling small flutters. I'm sure it won't be too long until we start to feel those kicks.

Ruby_A - that is amazing news. Yes there is nothing quite like those first few flutters. Baby gave DH a heck of a shock weekend before last with one almighty kick (the first time DH felt it) - I'm still chuckling about it. I know exactly what you mean about the hard lump - some days baby is very clearly on one side or the other... Hours of fun from now on watching and waiting for the kicks and movement! Hope everyone is well. xxx

Hey ladies. I've been so excited the past weekend and wanted to share my news with you. I finally felt the little one move a few days ago. It's the mildest little feeling. Like a little butterfly pushing your inside with a feeler. But it's unmistable! The other thing I've experienced, and I'm not sure if this is the baby or something else, is this feeling in my stomach. Sometimes I can feel where he is and if I touch, that area seems bumpier or harder than the rest. Is that the baby I'm feeling? P.S. I'm 19 weeks now. Kisses to all you other mums. <em>edited by Ruby_A on 27/08/2012</em>

Hello everyone, Congratulations:) I am also pregnant in the 21st week. I'm still feeling tired but I am planning to start going to the Gym. The last week I couldn't do this at all but now I feel a little better. My Due date is also in the first week of January. It is my first baby. I am a little bit scarred but I hope everything will be easy.

Hi Murdock44, thanks for your reply. was it difficult registering with Corniche? what is the procedure and is there a deadline by which you can register(how late in to pregnancy?). are you under the care of a midwife only or team of docs? have heard so many different stories about the place but am inclined to give it a go if I have some consistency in my doctor and someone I can trust- can you ask for someone specific, any recommendations? thanks again for the advice x

Hi Ladies, We run ExpatMums & Bumps Groups every week... check them out here under Mums Groups http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_events_whats_on.aspx Please arrange to meet at one of these events. Warm regards, EW Admin

Welcome to all the new ladies, it’s really lovely to hear so many of you are expecting, and great that we have a really active thread...:) As others have said, I definitely think it’ll be nice for us all to meet up, and share our experiences face to face.

Hi Sammy1978, So pleased I could help...;) We decided to purchase the Jane Rider in the end, but this wasn’t because it was any better than the Muum, it was purely down to personal preference on the look of the frame. The good thing with all of the Jane models is that all of their frames fit their car seat/accessories without the use of any adaptors, so along with their easy folding action, I felt thid could be a blessing in Dubai’s sweltering heat, particularly in the mall car parks... Good luck, it's pretty exciting as soon as you get through the facts and figures bit... :)

Hi!! I am new to this site and forum, but am also expecting at the end of Jan so thought I would contribute. I have registered with Corniche and really happy - only one I considered actually. After living here for close to 10 years I have met so many wonderful Dr. and midwives from this hospital and feel really confident with everything as this is the only thing they do! Unlike Al Noor, Corniche hospital is only focused on delivering babies. As for strollers, I just bought the Uppababy Cruz, after lots of research and test drives! Unfortunately I don't think this make is available yet in the UAE but I am bringing it back with me from Canada next week (checking the entire box as substitute for 1 piece of luggage). Uppababy apparently have the best customer service unlike what I have heard about some of the other companies.

Hi ladies, would love to join the thread. am due end of jan with 1st baby. am having my 20 weeks scan next week (abit early at 18 weeks though). just wondered if any of you have recommendations for good docs and hospitals in abu dhabi. am in my 40's so high risk so really need someone I have confidence in. have heard mainly Corniche and Al noor but am not sure where's best. any advise welcome- congrats to all you mums to be :)

Thanks so much Grunerbaum! You have helped me lots. I've narrowed my choice down to 4, instead of about 50. iCandy, UPPAbaby, Bugaboo Cameleon and now Jane Muum. A friend of mine has two children and has the Cameleon but she told me not to get it, apparently it will drive me crazy getting it in and out of the car which I know in Dubai I'll be doing 99% of the time. I'm going to London next weekend so I'll test drive some. I must admit that the 2-3 month waiting list for the iCandy does put me off, the price isn't as reasonable as the other also. Which Jane did you go for? Who would have thought buying a pram would be so difficult?! Thanks again for your advice!

Hi Ladies, Hope no one minds me jumping into this conversation... New to EW, I am expecting first baby mid January and also 36... For those still choosing where to deliver - my friend (a Doula) recommends Dr Raj at American for a natural birth and recommends City for overall general care. A friend, due in early October, has scheduled a c-section at City, so I know it is possible. Seems City is the popular choice! Will definitely take the opportunity to tour City one Friday but currently very happy with current care - it can't hurt to check it out! :)

Thank you RubyRed and Grunerbaum. I feel so much better knowing I'm not the only one opting for a c-section. I'l call both City and American and find out when I can visit. P.S. 18 weeks tomorrow and I feel wonderful. I get the odd pinch and pull, which I gather is just stuff stretching and being pushed into place. lol. Really excited as we're nearly half way there. As I said before, this is my first, so every moment feels like an adventure. :)

You can come along to one of our many Bumps & Babes Coffee Mornings..... great to meet other ladies in the same situation and get some great tips and advice http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_events_whats_on.aspx Check under the Mums Groups tab. Look forward to seeing you all there. Hi ladies! I hope you all are feeling well. It's been a while since I have had a chance to post. I would love to meet up at an event when the holidays have past. I know many are still away. Ruby_A I believe City does maternity tours on Fridays if you want to check it out. We were planning on going even though my doctor is already going to deliver there. I'm not sure about the other hospitals as I have always used City. :) <em>edited by RubyRed on 15/08/2012</em>

Hi Sammy1978, I know what you mean, my hubby was most pleased when we went pushchair shopping on nearly every day of our hols... He compared it to buying a car with all the choices, different specs and colours, only not as much fun when you actually purchase one and take it home... ;) Anyway, we finally whittled our choice down to three, the iCandy, Bugaboo and Jane, (pronounced Han-nay). All three are really stylish, are in the same price range, and do roughly the same thing (like most pushchairs on the market), but the Jane won it for us, as it has this unique carry cot/car seat design, which basically means it'll fit both in the car, or on the frame as the lying down carry cot, or as the tilted car seat, so no need to wake baby if and when you need to go out. Also, because it has this tilt and lie down system the baby can stay in it for much longer than the car seat manufactures recommendation of a couple of hours, giving us Mummies more time to hit the shopping malls... ;) I hope the above helps a little, and I haven't confused you even more... To be honest the best thing to do is visit a few pushchair shops, wheel a few models around, make sure you have a go at folding and unfolding the frames, plus also clipping and un-clipping the carry cots and car seats, as some models require additional adapters and some don't. Also, just remembered, if you fancy going for an iCandy we were told from various stockists in the UK that there is a waiting list of 2-3 months on some of their models/colours, due to it's popularity, so you may have to pre-order to make sure you get it in time. I feel like I've swallowed most of the pushchair catalogues, so let me know if you have anymore questions... Ruby_A - For your information we visited the American and City Hospital when we were trying to decide where to deliver baby, and both hospitals were very open about c-sections, as well as natural births, and without requesting it they gave us the information and prices on both packages in order for us to decide. Also, I found the midwives and doctors in both hospitals really accommodating with any questions, and this included c-section questions, as there were numerous ladies on my visit thinking of opting to deliver this way. I really wouldn't fret about what people think, as this should be your decision and what is suitable for you, and to be fair I got the feeling from both hospitals that they try and promote this policy also. PS. I turned 36 last week and keep telling myself it's only a number, and I feel as good as when I was 26!! I don't know who I'm kidding though... :)

Morning ladies. So today I'm 17 weeks and 5 days. Been going to the Isis Clinic for my check-ups so far, but I need to start looking for a hospital. I've heard a lot about City, but was wondering whether it's pro natural birth or C-section. Thing is, I know some of you may disapprove, but I would like to opt for a C-Section. I don't really want to deal with the excruciating pain of labour. And I know my mother was asked to have a c-section wtih both her pregnancies, as she was too small for a regular birth. Me, i have the same narrow frame as her. Even now, at nearly 4 months pregnant, I still weight under 50kg. My last concern is that by the time the baby comes, I'll be 36 years old with my first pregnancy. All this makes me want a c-section to avoid any complications at the last minute and to ensure peace of mind. Do any of you ladies have any recommendations of which hospitals I should start looking at? I'm totally at sea here. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!