November 2012 Due Dates?

Hi Toriab82, Welcome to Dubai and to the November thread. Since you are new here I Hope you are adjusting to heat here :) You are the third person on this thread to be due around 20th of November. My self and Awayfromhome are due on the 21st. How is your pregnancy going so far. Also have you registered at a hospital for delivery? or are you yet to decide? Done any shopping for the baby? Found out the gender? Feel free to discuss your feelings and concerns with us. Most of us are first time mums here i think. But will try to help in any way we can :)

Dear All mums due in november ! I am new to duabi we moved out here in March and a week later we found out i was preganant !! I have Just come into my 21st week and am due around 20th November. Im finding it very hard to settle in dubai am not sure if its the hormones or what !!! im yet to meet any other expectant mums so am feeling a little lonely as husband is out at work all day and i am unable to find work being pregnant ! im so excited about our new arrival and just wish i had some other expectant mums to share this with who understand what im going thru. i really hope i can make some new friends on here and start enjoying my new life out here Toria lonely expectant mum to be ! :-( :)

Looks like the November thread is finally getting active :) Also it seems everyone's weight gain is right on track. Touchwood. Hope it stays that way. I have heard of mommies gaining more than 15 kgs till they reach half way point in their pregnancies. May we all gain the right amount of weight and not a pound more :D Clare: A meetup would be lovely. And nope, no hot feet for me. Still wear a warm Duvet to bed, and dislike the A/c during the day. But who knows when that will change. I have heard pregnant women get warm alot. Not looking forward to that. Silkie - Im sorry you were disappointed to hear about not being sent to Latifa, it couldn't have been easy since I know that amount of thought and research one has to go through to finally decide upon a hospital and then stick with it. Did you go through the thread i pasted? I think you can expect Dubai Hospital to be as good as Latifa. The only difference is seems is that Dubai Hospital is a multi speciality hospital so it will probably be a bigger hospital than Latifa, while Latifa is specific to maternity only. I can understand your concern about wanting to look for other options though. Where exactly will you be looking if not Dubai Hospital then? I have to share since you and I are currently in the same fix, I was thinking of going to NMC just so to avoid the very difficult management at the Local clinics and also be ensured that DH will be with me during labour. However spent all morning on EW and came across this post by lemondrops,its a long post and maybe you might want to go through it..it has again made me thinking I should toughen up and get myself mentally ready to brave all the labor pain without DH :( This is the link: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=128124&Page=1 let me know what you think after reading it. Regarding the Aster clinics, I dont think you would want to go there. I mean it is fine for checkups and stuff, but I think their maternity hospital is called Al Rafa , its in bur dubai I think. While I have not been there personally, I met a lady once who delivered there and said the experience was very bad.

Wow! looks i have missed a couple of replies, just read! Wonderful you all can shop for things before your little bundle of joy arrives. For me, i cant shop as per our tradition (no baby shopping until baby is born!)... so all the initial shopping will be done by my family till i can actually go around looking for things! Wow - Awayfromhome15 & lilypad are due on same date - may be u both end in same hospital at same time! :-) Lilypad - i'm planning to go for the City tour this Friday with my hubby. Also, have heard Aster clinics are good for Gynaecs, any idea? God, i'm actually confused now since i'm not too confident with Dubai hosp. (after being redirected here than Latifa!) I'll also try to insist on Latifa, but not hoping as i had already asked the lady at the counter twice if she can refer me to Latifa. I have gained around 4 kilos so far (20 weeks today) - any idea if its less or more? :-) ClareJLT - I'm lucky with the hot feet as i dont get them, but my feet are always cold since i time i was admitted to hosp for Viral as a kid. Louve - which doc are you booked with @ City? i'm thinking of that as an option.

Just seen Lilypad, we must be due on same day, I'm exactly 21 today too, due date 21st. Glad things went well with tests and good luck with scan. Exactly, I have been given 21st November as my due date aswell :) Just wondering how much weight has everyone gained till yet. I was a bit over weight to start with. lost a kilo at 12 weeks..as of now my total weight gain has been 4.5 kg. Wondering if that is normal or not. My OB/GYN said I should aim to gain 9 kg.

Just seen Lilypad, we must be due on same day, I'm exactly 21 today too, due date 21st. Glad things went well with tests and good luck with scan.

Hi everyone, Hope everyone is doing well. Gosh everyone is getting loads of shopping done. I still dont know what I should be looking for , because we dont know the gender of the baby yet. Plus cant be looking for cots cz we may have to leave Dubai by the end of the year :( What a shame with all the nice sales that were at baby shop and mothercare. Silkie- Good to know you have decided on a hospital finally. I made the decision to go to latifa as well, made the trip to my local clinic this morning to see the GP and get a referral for Latifa. It went well and have been given an appointment to see the the OB/GYN at the same clinic on the 15th. I was given some paper work for blood tests and ultrasound but was told this will be done once i come back to see the GYN/OB and pay the 5000 AED. The administration side has me worried a bit though. Its very difficult to get your point across. I had to repeat myself 10 times and the lady still wouldn't get it. Makes me think if I should just ditch it all and just go with NMC and save my self the headache. Not to mention the appointment's that need to be fitted in to DH's busy schedule. Ah worry worry. :( Have you called Dubai Hospital after your last trip? I would not count on the pay as you go thing that you are hoping for. From what I see, all the DHA hospitals require payment of the ANC package in full (for expats) so I dont see why Dubai Hospital would be any different. Also if it is worth a try, you can try and insist on getting referred to Latifa, although I do not know if that will work. I was just told by the DHA customer care rep that I can insist on going to my preferred hospital (I actually did not believe him) but its worth a try. In any case from what information I have been given on expat women, Dubai Hospital and Latifa both have the same standards of care and you should not be too worried. This is an old thread but maybe you will find some information that might be useful http://www.expatwoman.com/abudhabi/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=94626 Awayfromhome - Good luck with your trip back home. :). I have not managed to get the 20 week scan done yet. God knows i need to get it done asap since I am 21 weeks already today. Just need to get the registration at a hospital sorted out asap so I can proceed with that. Regarding the triple marker test, yes I got the results for that, they seem to be fine from the looks of it since I haven't been to the doctor after that. Just too lazy to go. Thanks for asking :) Louve - welcome to the thread. I was at the maternity tour at CITY hospital this Friday as well. It seems like you were at the morning tour, since I don recall any one asking questions regarding Gas & Air :)

Hey all Finally after much search & thinking & consulting, i had decided to go with Latifa hosp for the delivery. Due to long appt timings, i thought i would hv normal check ups with some other gynaec outside. I'm staying in Al Nahda area, so thought Qusais clinic would be the place to check! However, after reaching there this morning, they told me to go to Al Mamzar health center since i fall under a different area. After searching for 20-odd mins, me & my hubby found the clinic. I got myself registered for the health card quite easily (just my passport copy & tenancy contract). Then i was issued a health card (temporary i think since it looks like a visiting card :\: Anyways, they told me that a GP will issue a referral letter to Dubai hospital :\: since Al Wasl/Latifa will not accept me as i don't fall under that area! I didnt pay any registration fees @ Al Mamzar, just AED 150/- to see the GP to get the referral. GP took all background info & with some instrument she used, i could hear the baby's heartbeat :-) Amazing feeling!! :-) GP has asked me to have a u/s first (for which i will call Dubai hosp today afternoon) & with this report to go to the Gynaec in Dubai hosp. & my 1st appointment @ Dubai hosp is scheduled for 6th Aug... yeah! 1 month later! The good thing about Dubai hosp would be we don't have to take the ante natal package in full as advised to me. We can pay per visit/per consultation (will reconfirm once i go there). Okays, so finally having decided on 1 hosp, now i'm confused as to is Dubai hospital also good like Latifa in terms of its expertise & facilities? Any views/info will be appreciated. Is it that i have to re-open the options for private hosp now?

Well done for getting Sorted on the furniture Louve. We went shopping this eeekmd and came home empty handed, think we were so overwhelmed by it all and I'm so indecisive! Although we're definitely decided on city, we're doing the tour this Friday, so I'll be sure to warn my husband not to ask those question, ha! Good luck silkie with finding the right dr. I've years some really good things about dr. Britt clauson at city who is new there but has extensive experience, mostly in the UK and us much easier to get an appointment with than dr. Elsa. I was going to go with her if I couldn't get scheduled with dr. Elsa. Coffee will be great. I'm flying to UK on 25th July and back end of august, so maybe when I'm back?

Hi all, Hope you had a great weekend. We got a bit more baby shopping done and are now proud owners of a baby cot, madras and duvets. Feels good to get some of the shopping out of the way. You do feel kind of silly asking yourself: hmm, would baby prefer firm or soft, spring or latex madras? Seems there are too many choices in this industry Welcome Silkie16. If you want to check out City hospital, they do a maternity tour every Friday at 11 and at 4. You don't have to register just go to reception at the right time. I went on Friday and it was a great experience. Like you I have been in the process of changing doctors and hospital because I just didn't feel comfortable.I have an appointment to meet my new doctor on Wednesday and hopefully after that it is all settled and going to be City hospital for the delivery. If you decide to go on the tour, just make sure to advise your husband not to ask stupid questions. When the midwife was informing us of pain relief options, one of the fathers on the tour asked why you would choose an epidural or any other pain relief when you could just use the laughing gas... Needless to say, all the women in the room looked at him like he was a complete idiot. If my husband had asked that question I would have forced him to read a couple of books when we got home... Are your husbands more prepared? I am up for coffee - would be great to get to know you guys better

Hey Lilypad I havent yet spoken to the lady to find out the reason for her being induced... I'm not in contact with her directly, so it'll be difficult to find out... 5k/6k per day is actually high :-) for NICU costs, i just hope our babies wont need it & everything would be fine! :-) I'm now a bit hesitant to go to Zulekha coz read (google) that they have a high c-s rate... scary! Hey ClareJLT Thanks for your reply. Its good to know you are comfortable with your doc & found the perfect place already you want to give birth to! Hope my hunt ends soon too :-) Hey Awayfromhome15 Thanks for the info.. i'll try to check City hosp too... Finding a good doc & hosp is seeming like a difficult task now... ! But i hope to settle down with regards to this soon! I've also started swimming a bit after completing 3 & 1/2 months (first trimester was resting time as doc & family said)... Planning to start walking frequently too... To all Coffee sounds great... what say?! :-)

Hi all, sorry, I have been so rubbish at replying. I've even finished work ( I'm a teacher) but have been busier than ever, not sure what with though! Anyway I hope everyone is well and a big welcome to Louve, texlady and silkie16. Lilypad, did you mange to find somewhere for your 20 wk scan? Also did you get your results back? I hope all is well. Clare, hope you're having a good time in the UK, I can't wait to go back in 3 weeks, although I know the weather isn't great it will be a welcome change! Texlady, I live in Dubai also, so sorry not of much help. I see your planning to deliver at the American in Dubai though. My friend is with Dr. Braithwaite too and is very happy. Sorry to hear about the loss of the twin after the roller coaster of ivf. We had ivf too and am pregnant with one, I couldn't believe our luck when we were successful first time am so thankful. Louve, well done for buying the bugaboo on dubizzle. Think I'm going to get a bugaboo too as both my sisters have one and love them. There's so much to think about, bit I'm going to have a good look when I'm back in the UK. Silkie, that's a shame you haven't found a dr or hospital you're happy with. I think it's a really personal choice and what someone else might not be happy with may work for you. I'm delivering at city with dr elsa, although haven't met her yet, until I'm 28 wks as I've been with my ivf dr at Dubai mall until then who is just amazing and holds. Avert special place in my heart. Unfortunately she doesn't deliver so recommended dr elsa and city and Dubai mall are the same group so it's just easy. AW, that sounds great about your prenatal trainer. I used to run loads before but stopped on lead up to ivf and have just been swimming since, but really miss other forms of exercise. I won't be going back to work after, I've actually finished which feels weird at 20 weeks, but just the way things work out as a teacher. Good luck everyone. We should meet for a coffee a bit nearer the time if anyone fancies it.

Hey lilypad28 Thanks for your reply. New to this site so i hope this gets posted correctly :-) Yes, i'm looking to check with NMC specialty too since it is near to my place. Thanks for the info on Latifa, i'll go on Sunday probably then... Well, i havent considered the NICU costs yet, are they that high in Medcare/City? By City, which hospital are you referring to? City Hospital, Dubai if i'm not wrong? I've also read that Latifa is no fancy stuff & very busy nurses, but i just want to be in good hands when i'm due, also dont want to be forced/pushed for c-s as what i've read online. So bit nervous & scared. Not yet decided where i'll get my 20-week scan, probably will decide after my research by Sunday :-) Btw, just learned one of my hubby's colleague's wife delivered in MedCare a month ago & their experience was not very great. She was kind-of induced (i guess it is some kind of injection/medicine for contractions - please correct me if i'm wrong) few weeks before her due date & then had to be taken for emergency c-s. Any opinions on MedCare? Hi, Sure sunday will be a good day to check it out, although do make sure you go there before 2pm, I haven't been there again but I don't think they will be giving you a hospital tour. The NICU costs for City Hospital, Medcare and American Hospital range around 5000-6000 per day... so that's quite high. Although I hope none of our babies will need NICU care it is always best to prepare for all possibilities. Regarding Medcare there are mixed reviews on this forum aswell, have you asked why she was induced? There might have been some need for it otherwise I do not see why anyone would let a doctor to induce them without need. An emergency C section is what everyone should prepare them selves for, things do not always go to plan the way we want them to. However it is an altogether another story if the doctor pushes you for a c section from the start, that's when you run :)

Hey lilypad28 Thanks for your reply. New to this site so i hope this gets posted correctly :-) Yes, i'm looking to check with NMC specialty too since it is near to my place. Thanks for the info on Latifa, i'll go on Sunday probably then... Well, i havent considered the NICU costs yet, are they that high in Medcare/City? By City, which hospital are you referring to? City Hospital, Dubai if i'm not wrong? I've also read that Latifa is no fancy stuff & very busy nurses, but i just want to be in good hands when i'm due, also dont want to be forced/pushed for c-s as what i've read online. So bit nervous & scared. Not yet decided where i'll get my 20-week scan, probably will decide after my research by Sunday :-) Btw, just learned one of my hubby's colleague's wife delivered in MedCare a month ago & their experience was not very great. She was kind-of induced (i guess it is some kind of injection/medicine for contractions - please correct me if i'm wrong) few weeks before her due date & then had to be taken for emergency c-s. Any opinions on MedCare?

Hi everybody... I'm so happy to see so many November-due moms... I'm due last week of Nov (19 weeks preggo currently & this is my first baby) :-) Like many, i am also looking for the right doc/hospital to give birth in Dubai. So far, i took my checkups with Zulekha hosp. Dubai, so far appointments were ok since i changed 3 docs in Zulekha itself - sometimes due to non-availability of doc, sometimes due to unconcerned behaviour towards me. Also, recent searches reveal that they (Zulekha) are more inclined towards pushing for c-s rather than normal birth. Is this true? Has anyone have personal experience (friends/family) delivering in Zulekha? I'm staying very close to Zulekha, so thought it is a nice option esp since i dont have maternity covered with my current insurance. What other options are good? I've heard Al Wasl/Latifa (govt) hospital is best here to give birth as they push for normal deliveries as far as possible. Any experiences to share? I'm planning to spend my Saturday looking for hospital/doc in American hosp, Welcare, Latifa & MedCare. Though it would be expensive, but it'll ensure me I'm in safe hands. Any views or help is greatly appreciated as I'm fast approaching 20 weeks (time for mid-term scan, isnt it?) Good luck to all new mums to be! :-) Hi silkie16, Im sorry to hear your experience with zuleikha hasnt been good..if you live near zuleikha then perhaps NMC is near you aswell, have you tried looking there? A friend recently delivered there and was happy with it in the end. I am due in the last week of Nov aswell so you and I are more or less in the same week ( I am 20 weeks today) Have you decided where you will be getting your 20 week scan done from? Have heard good things about Medcare and City myself, but a little concerned about NICU costs , have you given that any consideration? As for latifa, have initiated the Health Card process required for it today, but am not quite sure if I will be going for Latifa in the end. Bit worried about ending up having to deal with very busy doctors and nurses and lazy management. Btw dont go to Latifa on a Saturday, went there a week ago and there was no management to deal with, Friday Saturdays are off. HTH

Hi everybody... I'm so happy to see so many November-due moms... I'm due last week of Nov (19 weeks preggo currently & this is my first baby) :-) Like many, i am also looking for the right doc/hospital to give birth in Dubai. So far, i took my checkups with Zulekha hosp. Dubai, so far appointments were ok since i changed 3 docs in Zulekha itself - sometimes due to non-availability of doc, sometimes due to unconcerned behaviour towards me. Also, recent searches reveal that they (Zulekha) are more inclined towards pushing for c-s rather than normal birth. Is this true? Has anyone have personal experience (friends/family) delivering in Zulekha? I'm staying very close to Zulekha, so thought it is a nice option esp since i dont have maternity covered with my current insurance. What other options are good? I've heard Al Wasl/Latifa (govt) hospital is best here to give birth as they push for normal deliveries as far as possible. Any experiences to share? I'm planning to spend my Saturday looking for hospital/doc in American hosp, Welcare, Latifa & MedCare. Though it would be expensive, but it'll ensure me I'm in safe hands. Any views or help is greatly appreciated as I'm fast approaching 20 weeks (time for mid-term scan, isnt it?) Good luck to all new mums to be! :-)

Thanks for the welcome ClareJLT AW - I hope to work a little bit from home during maternity and I am quite lucky to have a really flexible working arrangement. I wouldn't know how to start working full time (or more as it always is in my field) with a 45 day old baby. Texlady - welcome to the UAE. You must be experiencing so much now, with both baby and moving to the ME. I thought it was hard enough just moving out here! Sorry to hear about the twin, but happy to hear that one is steering up trouble. I am sure I felt mine in week 15 as well. You can tell your doctor that! I'm based in Dubai though, so don't really fit your needs.

Hi all - I originally posted in the December 2012 due date topic site - but am eager to begin meeting others going through the same thing as me, especially near where we moved -Abu Dhabi - Golf Gardens. 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!?! :-)

Hello all - due date on October 31 so I'm feeling closer to the November thread. Challenge right now is that I'm not used to private medicine here and the rescrictions on my insurance plan - it only covers delivery up to AED 10,000 and C section upwards to AED 15,000. Scans at the Fetal Medical Centre are paid out of pocket. On the upside, I have a great pre natal personal trainer and continue on doing a lot of the exercises I previously enjoyed, but in moderation, as well as ordering some lovely maternity clothes from the Isabella Oliver website in the UK. Still battling the heart burn but energy levels are at an all time high which is great. Anyone planning to continue working after the mandatory 45 days mat leave?

Hi Ladies, Nice to find other November due dates. I'm due November 5 (Doctor says 6th, but we disagree... Am currently looking for new doctor) and expecting a baby girl. Just had the 20 week scan last week and was told everything is fine although I didn't get any other detailed results yet. Are you guys all expecting your first child? Ours is the first so we are quite excited and also terrified at the same time. We are planning to have the baby here in Dubai. Mainly because most airlines won't let you travel a month before your due date and secondly because my husband can't take enough time of work to ensure he wouldn't miss the whole thing... So far, we have bought a used Bugaboo on Dubizzle (lot of money saved!) and right now I'm trying to figure out if the Bugaboo bassinet will be enough for the baby to sleep in the first couple of months. Sometimes this whole pregnancy/baby thing is a mystery and you're given only small clues to figure out the plot... Hope you are all doing well and look forward to sharing this experience with you

Hi Awayfromhome, well lucky for you , your insurance changed, Alico has to be the worst insurance ever, pity I did not know this sooner or would have had it changed myself, unfortunately I am stuck with it now. The 10k cover is extremely low considering the fact that it has to cover all the antenatal appointments and scans as well as the delivery itself. Currently I have been seeing a doctor at a private Aster clinic near by, I am okay with her so far for the initial appointment but really need to finalize the hospital and a gynae soon. As for the Dubai Mall clinic, well same reason, my insurance wont cover it, and reimbursement takes ages..anyway good luck with your 20 week scan. Hang in there Clare, you have made it so far without knowing, you can go the rest of the way too :D, but in any case you dont, it will be as much of a sweet surprise to know now as it will be to know after birth. Goodluck :) Question, Does anyone on this thread know till how many weeks can you register at Latifa? is the cut off at 20 weeks? or can you register later aswell? Also about the 20 week scan till how many weeks can it be done? I read on another thread that it can be done till 24 weeks...is that true?

Hi Awayfromhome, well lucky for you , your insurance changed, Alico has to be the worst insurance ever, pity I did not know this sooner or would have had it changed myself, unfortunately I am stuck with it now. The 10k cover is extremely low considering the fact that it has to cover all the antenatal appointments and scans as well as the delivery itself. Currently I have been seeing a doctor at a private Aster clinic near by, I am okay with her so far for the initial appointment but really need to finalize the hospital and a gynae soon. As for the Dubai Mall clinic, well same reason, my insurance wont cover it, and reimbursement takes ages..anyway good luck with your 20 week scan. Hang in there Clare, you have made it so far without knowing, you can go the rest of the way too :D, but in any case you dont, it will be as much of a sweet surprise to know now as it will be to know after birth. Goodluck :) Question, Does anyone on this thread know till how many weeks can you register at Latifa? is the cut off at 20 weeks? or can you register later aswell? Also about the 20 week scan till how many weeks can it be done? I read on another thread that it can be done till 24 weeks...is that true?

Welcome Aurora! It's good the group is getting bigger! I can really understand why you would want to go home as well Lilypad. I always thought would go back to the UK but wasn't sure when I would gave to fly etc. I'm going back at the end of July for 5 weeks, so excited as haven't been back since Christmas which is long for me! We've been here for 2 years now. Lilypad, I'm with Alico too- the gold cover but they don't cover anything for us. However our insurance changed today to RSA and they're now covering some which is good. We've already had IVF here so this baby is costing lots before it's born! You're very good Clare on the gender thing, we found out we're having a boy. Lilypad, where have you been having your check ups so far? Are you registered with an ob? I would also highly recommend my current Dr. At Dubai Mall Dr Munira if you're not going to deliver here as she doesn't deliver. Did you fund out your test results yet? We haven't got anything for nursery yet but think I'm decided on bugaboo, both my sisters have one in the uk and they love them. Glad to hear you both had successful 20 week scans Aurora and Clare, mines on July 9th at 21 weeks, can't wait!

Welcome aboard aurora. So glad more people are joining. Wow your a patient one Clare :) I dont think il be able to wait till birth to find out the gender. My Insurance is Metlife Alico, the limit is 10,000-15000 depending on weather its a Natural Birth or C-Sec. Extremely low. However its not the Delivery costs that has me worried, I was wanting to go with City Hospital anyway but the thought of having a pre term delivery and extremely high costs of NICU there have scared me into either opt for Latifa or just go back for home the delivery. Will look into Nine medical center for the 20 week scan if i don't happen to like the place my doctor refers me to. Been living in Dubai for almost 2.5 years now.