November 2014 Due Date

Saw this birthing retreat in September for any of you ladies that might be interested. http://www.birthzone.ae

Hello Ladies I hope you are all well. We got wonderful news, our baby girl is healthy and I can start really enjoying pregnancy and start planning for the birth in Dubai. Any joy with finding doulas and and great hospitals for delivery? Does anyone know Dr. Helena Taylor's contact details? Good news! My next appointment is on 30th of June, hope we can see if baby is pink or blue ;)

Hello Ladies I hope you are all well. We got wonderful news, our baby girl is healthy and I can start really enjoying pregnancy and start planning for the birth in Dubai. Any joy with finding doulas and and great hospitals for delivery? Does anyone know Dr. Helena Taylor's contact details?

Good to read about everyone.. I'm in my 10th week and I've nausea all the time. I always loved sleeping and now, it's even more! :) I have started moving away from Non Vegetarian food...even the thought of eating Chicken (which I otherwise murder according to my DH :) ) makes me want to puke... I'm so drowsy always..

Uniqueme, I'm also hoping for a vbac and was thinking just last night about looking into a doula as I'm quite nervous about something going wrong and think having someone knowledgeable there might help. I haven't asked around yet for any names though. also just wanted to share that I saw my Dr yesterday who is very supportive of me trying for a vbac. She delivers at City and American but said that recently something had gone wrong with a vbac at American and she thinks they may be less willing to do vbacs for the next few months. I'm not sure what went wrong as I didn't ask but she said I would probably need to go to City so just wanted to let you know in case that impacts your decision on a doctor.

Hi Girls, thanks for the feedback on Dr Jozsa. I also had one appointment with Dr Raj (American Hospital) to meet her and then decide which doctor would be a better option in my case, since my desire is to go for VBAC this time. Now, I really don't know which one to keep seeing. I like both of them, even though my appointment with Dr Raj was very fast! 5 min, maybe! she did not rush me, I just had no questions at the time. also, just curious, is anyone hiring a doula?

Safe travels Maca1981. Hope all goes well.

Hi Ladies, First of all thank you very much for all the feedback, I really appreciate it as it is a difficult and scary situation. In the end the decision is that I'll be travelling home next week where I feel I'll be in better hands. I'll go to a genetics hospital where they will conduct another scan and do the NIPT test as well. Seekinghelp: Thank you for telling me your point of view, I'm the kind that need to know in order to keep my sanity :) NP: I'm so happy that your results got back negative, really happy for you. My experience in Genesis wasn't in the least convincing to me either, neither did I think that it is professional to get a nurse (whom I never met) to call me over the phone and tell me that my blood test came back with opposite results to the scan specially when we agreed that it will be sent to my gyno directly. I would have felt better hearing it from him or at least from the doctor who conducted the scan and previously reassured me that the baby is fine. Anyway, I hope all will be good in the end. JJBaus: 100% agreed, I feel I need to know and the money is not a factor when it comes to decisions like this. Longinjumeirah: As far as Dr Jozsa goes, I haven't delivered a baby with him so I feel only those could give you a true feedback. I'm sure he is a good specialist and I haven't heard anything to the contrary when it comes to labour. I felt he could have been more detailed as we are expecting the first baby and I have a condition that has a higher rate of miscarriage than normal, as well as diabetes during pregnancy. So hubby and I felt it wasn't informative specific to these at all. I think overall what matters is how the doctor makes you feel, if you feel you are in good hands then you probably are.

Hi Ladies, Absolutely agree, that first is NT ultrasound, then SCL PAPPA/BHCG blood test, and only after is invasive test for down-syndrome (the one which is expensive). If both NT US and blood test come at low risk, normally doctor would never ask you to go ahead with invasive test. (In fact, when my results came normal, I asked my obgyn for this test- to make sure, but she declined it). Also, I was quite intrigued to read your feedback on Dr Jozsa, as he was at a consideration to deliver with this summer :-) I think, he is a cool guy, though, from my experience, his consultations do not last more than 15-20 minutes, comparing with femiclinic, where doctor spends about an hour with you (for the same fee). But, probably, it's not his fault, just the way Healthbay is doing their business ... Maca1981, did you have pregnancy before with Jozsa or visited only for gyn issues? Overall, how would you rate him professionally? Would you trust him in serious situations?

Hi Maca1981, My 12 weeks scan for soft markers for downs came back normal, but due to my age, 36, I absolutely wanted to have the blood test done, and chose to do it. My doc recommended Verifi, but there are many on the market, and its a simple blood test that can be done as early as 12 weeks. My husband and take the personal opinion that a lifetime of caring for a child with downs would be more costly than paying 5500 for a blood test right now. However, If you would keep your unborn baby no matter what the circumstances are, then yes, you dont need the test. As for the cost, Im absolutely sure there is some form of kick back to the referring doctor, but it must be top of the line genetic research that has developed the test, and from my understanding this testing has only come onto the market 2 years ago. At the end of the day, its always better to have options than have none.

Maca1981_ I had my NT scan at Genesis with Dr George. It is my first pregnancy at 31 y.o. During the NT scan he told us it all looks fine but the propability numbers ended up being 1 in 220. So he told us not to have the blood test at all and proposed to have immediatelly the NIPT blood test. As you can understand I completely freaked out and decided to have the NIPT test immediatelly. After leaving the doctor I regreted it as I should have had the normal blood test first and then depending on the results, decide whether to have it or not. But I had already had the test so there was no point thinking about it. When I got home I starting my internet search and I found something that was disturbing. I had my NT scan at 13w+4 days because Genesis did not have an earlier appointment (they knew how far along I was). This test is suggested to be done till the 12 week when the results will be clear. It can be done max till the 13w+6 days but the results get compromized and you dont have a clear picture. I cannot say that my results were not correct BUT I do believe that the doctor should have told me that the results could be compromized because I'm too far along. He did not ever mention it. My doctor back home told that to me immediatelly. Also I believe that since it is a very important scan, when I booked my appointment the nurce should have told me that I would be too far along. I would have gone ssomewhere else. Moreover but highly important to me, is that before having the test, when the nurce was talking to me about my history, she gave me a leaflet of this NIPT test saying that you may need it after the scan. Why would she give it to me before having the scan??? So, my experience was not very good. BUT regardless all the above I would definitely have the NIPT test to make sure everything is ok and not stress about it all through pregnancy. My baby girl's results were great and now I'm in 23rd week. I hope everyhting turns out good for you too.

Thanks JJBaus. That's good to know. maca1981, sorry to hear about the test results. Its an added stress and worry that you could do without! I haven't got direct experience but thought id add some thoughts....hope that's ok. My doctor mentioned this new test just before I had my blood tests done. Its new and expensive and much as I respect my doctor, I do wonder if they are starting to promote it as it is so expensive. My husband and I had a long talk about whether we should do the test if the results came back in the higher risk category and decided that we personally wouldn't. Our thought process was that it is an expensive test and if the results showed the baby had downs, we would perhaps spend the rest of the pregnancy stressed and worried about coping which could have a negative effect on our unborn baby. If the baby was born with downs, we could do our research etc after the birth. However, I can see why you might want to find out before the birth so you could do research, find support groups etc in advance so it is very much a personal choice. Sorry, probably not much help but that is what our thought process was! Perhaps have a chat with your doctor and do some research on how they get to these results?

Thank you JJBAUS! Unique me: I used to see Dr Jozsa for a couple of years but honestly I felt very rushed during our first visit after we found out that we are expecting. I have PCOS and I felt being a first time mum whose conception wasnt the easiest it wasn't thorough enough. None the less he is a nice guy. I am freaking out ladies as on my 12 week scan Dr George has said all was well, I`m 32 and the baby looks fine and the risk is something around 1in 5000 for the baby to have down syndrome. Today I got a call from the hospital that my blood is showing 1in 190 obviously a much higher risk category...They have advised the definitive blood test called NIPT test that takes 3 weeks for the results and 5500 AED. has anyone got similar experience?

Hi Seekinghelp - I too have heard of this toxoplasmosis, but I dont pay too much attention as I still eat salads from restaurants. Obviously I wouldnt eat a salad from a backstreet outlet though. However, I'm more concerned about mayonaise/hollandaise type sauces, mouldy cheeses, and rare/raw meat and seafood. Otherwise I eat pretty much everything else. Unique Me - I'm afraid I havent heard of Dr. Jozsa... best of luck finding out info though! SouthernStar - so happy to hear that everything is going well with LO. Fingers crossed your nausea passes soon though! Maca1981 - I've not actually heard of anyone using the Al Ain Cromwell hospital,. but my database of friends delivering here is limited. Most of the ladies I know here either opted for scheduled C-sections, or they preferred to be closer to home than having to trek to Al Ain when the time came. I think its also important that if you ended up having an emergency C-section, it would be quite a trek for hubby/friends to visit you (but perhaps they have the facility that hubby can stay with you - I dont know). Last year I had a small operation at Medcare in Safa, and hubby was delighted that he could just race home quickly to shower/change as it was such close proximity to where we live.

Hi Ladies, I have been feeling guilty for a while now as I'm normally quite active and have been struggling with work/tiredness to get up and exercising so far with bump. I'm also pretty sure I've put on a bit more weight that I'm supposed to have. I was wondering if any working mums of bumps would be interested in a 6am around Safa Park during the week? Or alternatively, 6-6.30pm? Let me know, maybe we can meet up. Thanks, Jo

Hello Girls, I'm also on board for November with baby #2! 12 weeks scan will be done next week. is anyone seeing Dr. Jozsa and have feedback to provide me? Thanks!!

Had a scan yesterday and all is going well. My nausea however is getting worse! Have told all the family now so they're all supper excited. My Dr told me to eat lots of salads and an apple a day. The only food guideline I was given in any of my pregnancies was with no 1. The Dr told me not to eat mayonnaise either homemade or jar because homemade has raw eggs and jar stuff has some sort of preservative in it. <em>edited by starsouthern on 06/05/2014</em>

Congratulations Maca! Enjoy your scan tomorrow. has anyone else been told not to eat salad in restaurants? My Dr has just told me not to as there is a reasonably high risk of toxoplasmosis in Dubai and Europe. This is my second pregnancy, my first was in Asia where there isn't a guideline. I'm just wondering how careful I need to be. I was about to tuck into some taboulleh yesterday when I suddenly realized that is like salad and it may not have been washed properly so didnt risking eating it. What is everyone else doing?

Hi Ladies, I just found your forum hoping I can still join in :) I'm just entering my 12th week of my first pregnancy. The nausea and carb craving is still very much present but I hope soon it will subside. It's good to read that it's getting better for some of you! The 12th week scan will be on Wednesday and I can't wait! Has anyone met any moms who gave birth in Al Ain in the Cromwell hospital? Or any other experiences with gynos/hospitals in Dubai that promote natural birth?

Hi Ladies, how are you all doing? Ive almost made it thru week 12 now and had a scan to check bubs for soft markers for downs, and all looks clear. As my first, it was so amazing to finally see a little one inside, rather than a little bean with a heartbeat which is all ive been able to see until now. Bubs had hands and feet and little fingers. Has anyone started having sleeping problems, other than just being sleepy all the time? A couple of times Ive woken up to go to the bathroom amd had loads of problems getting back to sleep, Im either hungry or my mind switches on. Im also a tummy sleeper and I can feel the days are numbered, and its almost time to get a maternity pillow to wrap myself around. I still cant seem to manage my hunger/fullness. Please tell me Im not alone as sometimes I feel like I should be more along to have these ailments already.

I have been exhausted too. Just hit 12 weeks though and the nausea has gone and I'm definitely feeling less tired. Had my scan today and everything looks good so I am looking forward to telling people now. hope everyone else starts feeling better soon too!

Anyone else exhausted and going to bed at 730pm??? I can't seem to keep my eyes open! I put the little ones to bed then crawl into mine and am out like a light. Poor DH is spending a lot of evenings alone. I'm still feeling awful to the point that I get up in the night to be sick! Have never had that before and all I want to eat is fried food! Ewww!

Hi LAD! Welcome & congratulations :) I also had some nausea this time around which I didn't have with my DS, glad that's gone lol! EmberElftree:- You must be so excited for your first scan! Yes, it's necessary to have a full bladder, last time I would down lots of water in the waiting room in case they were running late & I was stuck with a full bladder! JJBAUS:- You've just made me hungry again :) I'm definatly pinching your salad ideas yum! I think I've been reading too many articles on what I shouldn't eat, is anyone else paranoid about that? Xx

Hi ladies, can I join you? I'm expecting baby no 2 on 29th nov. I'll be delivering in American Hospital with same Dr who delivered my first, she was fab. I'm feeling very nauseous which I didn't have first time round!

Forgot to ask - are you supposed to go with a full bladder before the scan? Have read that some places ask you to drink a pint of water an hour before the scan? Also for you ladies who've been already, do you get a pic to take away and do they use a 3/4D scanner? Those pictures are extraordinarily detailed! Thanks :o) x

Wow Gilly3 I read your post to my DH who said he's gonna take a leaf out of your's - yikes! Mine has been great bless him, making me cups of decaf tea & taking my psycho mood swings in his stride :o) He's been making dinner most nights too as I can't face even looking at chicken (boak) * am pretty knacked at night. I do everything else except for cleaning the cat tray which DH has now taken over by his own volition. JJBAUS your salads sound delish, I need to get with the programme and get busy in the kitchen again. I do like quinoa so will give that a whirl too - thanks for the suggestions! How about squeezing a wee bit of fresh OJ into some water or will that have the same effect as the lemon? I love watermelon juice (haven't gone off that) but I think once you start hoofing it 'round your natural water instincts will kick back in. I have my first app. with the ob/gyn tomorrow when I'll be 9 weeks exactly according to my LMP. I'm nervous and excited keeping fingers crossed that all is progressing as it should. It would be wonderful to hear/see a heartbeat just so that I can see for myself what is happening inside. Not sure what to expect as I haven't even met this gyn before :-O she gets good reviews so will find out myself soon enough! x

Hi Gilly3 - so happy to hear that your nausea is subsiding.. definately something to be happy about! So sweet that DH is taking such an interest. I think we should savour this while it lasts after London Chiq's comments ;-) EmberElftree - I know the feeling with Carbs galore and waiting for the green craving to kick in - I sometimes can't stand to look at a salad. Yet other times I'm happy to eat it. I find that sometimes I just have to dive in and it ends up tasting better than I thought. I've recently been mixing up my salad dressings.. I've tried a thai dressing one week and i added vermicelli noodles to my salad, and another week I tried a Nobu lemon dressing on my salad. This week, I've decided to delve into a RICE SALAD.. rice is healthy carbs which will keep me going, but mixed with lots of veges like peas, chopped parsley, avocado, diced capsicum and cucumbers, some pasteurised feta.... add some lemon juice and topped on some lettuce leaves, I think this might do the trick. Or, you could try using Quinoa instead of rice. I'm going into week 11 now, and I started to feel like my nausea feeling was passing when I was hungry, but it still comes and goes. But this week last week was definately better. I changed my breakfast from oaty-bix to eggs on toast, so maybe a more substantial breakfast helps. And I'm trying to remember to change my snacks to fruit - I read somewhere that fruit was EXCELLENT in pregnancy. The biggest issue I have atm is I've gone from a Camel drinking 2-3L per day to struggling to polish off 1x 1.5L bottle of water each day, and I can feel myself dehydrated. Drinking other substitutes isnt helping ie Ribena (too much sugar), juice (can't drink juice all day), and alot of other drinks are just full of sugar or aspartame. I've been given the go ahead to start exercising again from Doc, so Im hoping a morning walk around Safa Park ought to kick start my thirst for water again.. fingers crossed. I'll also try some lemon in my water, but that can make my mouth feel a bit too furry after a while. Best of luck to all of you as we are nearing the 12 week finishing line!

Hi ladies! I'm happy to report that my nausea has finally subsided :) 9 weeks 1 day! I am still inhaling the carbs & look like I have developed a pizza/pasta bump yikes! How is everyone keeping? My DH has been getting a little too involved in keeping me healthy & has even drawn up a daily checklist of things I should be doing and consuming lol! Bless his heart but all I want to do is eat my toast in peace ;) big hugs to you all & hope everyone is feeling better xxx <em>edited by Gilly3 on 18/04/2014</em>

How is everyone getting on? Am fighting the nausea here thinking about what to have for dinner. I miss cooking so much but just can't get round to fancying anything except for pizza (mmmm) or cola bottles. Neither very nutritious! Wish I was like you Starsouthern, I can't seem to stop ramming baked goods into my face - when's the greenery craving gonna kick in?? Still no m/s for me just the nausea and it's always worse at night? Happy weekend to all :o)

Congratulations Ladies and Well done [b'>Starsouthern[/b'>. . .4. .that's courageous! Have also recently fonud out I'm pregnant with number 3. Not told family. Feel pretty rubbish its 8 and half weeks so from experience this week and next are the worst for nausea. just a general queazy / yukky feeling. Tiredness has been v tough to deal with. 2 little ones who just have no idea and a hubby who is definitely not as attentive or sympathetic as he was 5 years ago (with the first). oh well I shall vent here if i need to! Good luck to you all. . .happy we have a communal place to offer support etc. Now off to bed. . <em>edited by London_Chiq on 09/04/2014</em>