September,2013 due dates

I did my antenatal classes at Infinity, this was 3 years ago but I really liked the class and it was interactive. Not sure if they still do that. After I delivered I also attended their baby clinic. :-)

Do any of you lovely mummies to be go to the bump and babies group on Mondays at the Dubai mall? Has anyone had experience with medicare clinic in the mall and seen DR Grace? Hi.. I have been seeing Dr Grace for about 6 months and I'm happy with her. Have you been to seen her yet? Anyone else have any experiences with DR Grace?

Hi ladies, I am 32 weeks pregnant and in case you wanted ante natal classes , I have just finished classes with "Cecile" in healthcare city. We were recommended to go to her but... sorry to say i found the classes out of date, not interactive at all and we had expected to come out of the class with more confidence but I found I have even less confidence about the upcoming birth and once we get our baby home post-birth! You sit in a semi circle around a projector during the 2 hour class, and if people dont ask the right questions, you may not find out the information you need during the class. Plus...whilst we wanted to meet other couples, there were 15 couples on the course but they joined at different times, and due to the lack of any interaction driven in class by Cecile, we only got talking to one couple, as everyone left immediately the classes were finished. My friend went to healthbay clinic for her ante natal - she had fun, met lots of other soon-to-be mums & dads, learnt (and practised in class) breathing techniques (which Cecile skimmed over), how to swaddle a baby etc - my friend has come out feeling practical and confident and like she has a support network of some other mums too. Maybe we were unlucky but I dont think Cecile's classes have evolved since year 2000 and they are totally "lecture to student" style. Hi Panfa, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We considered taking the classes at city hospital but at the end signed up for the ones in Healthbay Clinic, since they offer Friday classes. Glad to hear your friend had good experience there.

Hi ladies, I am 32 weeks pregnant and in case you wanted ante natal classes , I have just finished classes with "Cecile" in healthcare city. We were recommended to go to her but... sorry to say i found the classes out of date, not interactive at all and we had expected to come out of the class with more confidence but I found I have even less confidence about the upcoming birth and once we get our baby home post-birth! You sit in a semi circle around a projector during the 2 hour class, and if people dont ask the right questions, you may not find out the information you need during the class. Plus...whilst we wanted to meet other couples, there were 15 couples on the course but they joined at different times, and due to the lack of any interaction driven in class by Cecile, we only got talking to one couple, as everyone left immediately the classes were finished. My friend went to healthbay clinic for her ante natal - she had fun, met lots of other soon-to-be mums & dads, learnt (and practised in class) breathing techniques (which Cecile skimmed over), how to swaddle a baby etc - my friend has come out feeling practical and confident and like she has a support network of some other mums too. Maybe we were unlucky but I dont think Cecile's classes have evolved since year 2000 and they are totally "lecture to student" style.

Do any of you lovely mummies to be go to the bump and babies group on Mondays at the Dubai mall? Has anyone had experience with medicare clinic in the mall and seen DR Grace?

Hi Everybody :) I have just moved to Dubai from England 10 days ago so trying to reach out and make some friends as I am 27 weeks pregnant (due 6 September). I already have a daughter who is nearly 11 and have been working hard trying to get her into a school which appears to be a huge task! I am completely clueless about hospitals so any advice there would be great. I have just purchased a 28wk plus package and have my scan on Saturday and then my first consultation on Monday. Don't really know what I should be expecting to happen! If anyone has some spare time and would like to befriend me please get in touch.

Hi I totally agree with Perkynana - shop early whilst you have the energy (and there are sales - Toys R Us/Babies R Us?)... My votes... 1. We bought a Phil & Teds Sport buggy (we were living in the UK countryside so 3 wheels and being able to go off-road if necessary was important) because we hoped to have our second sooner and it converts to a double buggy with a seat that goes either underneath or above the main seat area. It converts to lie the baby fully flat, inclined or upright. We were given a barely used Maxicosi baby car seat for which we bought the adapter frame to clip it onto the P&T buggy. We also got the P&T bassinet which clips onto the buggy to make it a 'pram' when DS was little and it doubled up as his moses basket too. I'm a big P&T fan - they're VERY robust, very durable (ours has flown all over the place, been off road a lot and 2.5 years on it's still going strong ready for no.2.) I was strongly recommended getting a P&T buggy by three different people who had two kiddies and wished they'd bought one from the outset. Negatives: it isn't that light, it's quite big/bulky (no slim umbrella folding) but airlines accept it at the door so it does go flat and the wheels all detach (you can get a travel bag to put it all in). 2. We didn't have a monitor for DS because we were in a flat and he was next door to us. I'm thinking about getting one this time round, definitely with video/image screen and perhaps the iPad linked one so it can work on the wireless...our villa is equally bunker-esque! I would love other people's opinions and views on the ipad linked monitor or other video monitors myself! 3. I used an Avent single electric pump with DS - it can be mains or battery - and it was great. I expressed for months and whilst a double pump would have been useful, a single electric one was fine given cost and the fact it would only be used for 6 months or so x 2. If you can hire one then get a double, if you're buying then a good single one made more sense to me. Hope that helps? There's such a range out there for everything and everyone has their own preferences so have a good look, read feedback and happy shopping! :)

Hi Ladies So I'm finally getting into the baby shopping mood and am looking for suggestions on some of the big buys; like 1. Which is the best stroller/car seat combination 2. Best audio/visual baby monitor 3. Best breast pump If anyone wants to do group shopping trips do let me know. Hi Good idea to get the big shopping done now - promise you won't feel like it in a couple of months. My votes go for: Stroller - we got the Mamas and Papas Sola with carrycot (which we also used as the night time bassinet) and the Maxicosi capsule. Loved both. Had we thought we would be having number 2 so close to number 1 we would have considered getting a stroller that can be changed to take two seats - worth thinking about if that is your plan. Monitor - definitely recommend getting a video one as it saves you having to go into the room to check on them and risking waking them. We are in a villa which has been built like a concrete bunker so don't get good coverage through the house. I have seen the ipad ap and monitor and if we were buying again i would look at getting that so it worked everywhere the wireless did. Breast pump - electric is a must; we just borrowed one from our midwife and will be renting a hospital grade one this time. Other ladies on this forum have recommended a double one if you are going to need to use it a lot which makes good sense to me. Good luck with your shopping - key thing is get what works for you and that will be the right thing.

Hi Ladies So I'm finally getting into the baby shopping mood and am looking for suggestions on some of the big buys; like 1. Which is the best stroller/car seat combination 2. Best audio/visual baby monitor 3. Best breast pump If anyone wants to do group shopping trips do let me know.

Hi everyone We had our anatomy scan on Monday (I'm 22 weeks tomorrow) and decided to find out (DS had been a surprise)...we're having another boy! Uh oh! More mess to clean up! Hope everyone is well in the rising heat! :)

Hi everyone Have been super busy at work and finally had a chance to be back here. We are now 22 weeks and had our anatomy scan two weeks ago - all good, definitely a little girl which is lovely as we already have a DD. So hopefully they will be good friends.

Hi Grateful I'm at American Hospital - heard great things about Dr Braithwaite, I'm with Dr Branch there who is nice, if a little no nonsense and stoic at times! I quite like her blunt manner, especially given I know what to expect etc second time round. We couldn't choose between City and AH and only ended up at American because at the time our insurance company were in dispute with Mediclinic (City) so they suggested we went to AH. All resolved now, but we've decided to stay put. Two friends delivered there and can't praise it enough - City equally great from reviews - every hospital will have good/bad reviews because everyone is different and has different expectations. Coming from the NHS it's all fab! Best to check them both out yourself and go with your instinct. I'm 21+3, got my anatomy scan this afternoon so hopefully we'll find out what we're having - DS was a surprise but from a practical point of view we're finding out this time round, plus DH wants pink as does DS so if it's blue they have a few months to get used to the idea!!

Hi LB79. Thanks for the reply and the referral. I hadn't realized that City Hospital was such a contender. I will be sure to include it in my investigations. I too am having a girl and thought it wad a boy. This is my first as well!!!!......We are moving in one month and I have lots to do! I can't wait to simply get there and start properly traversing the landscape. I would love to meet you sometime. Have you heard of a Dr. Braithwaite from American Hospital?

Hi ladies congratulations to you all on your lovely bumps. I am 18w2d preggers and I will be moving to Dubai by July with the hubby. That means I will be approximately 7+ months preggers by then and will have to quickly peruse the landscape. I would love to meet other expectant moms. I am due September 30. Can anyone share some names of good high risk OBGYN's? I am looking at American Hospital for delivery but I am open to other facilities. Will also need any general advice on other relevant topics like preggerlates, yoga, where to live etc. I am moving from Qatar. Thank you in advance for your efforts. edited by Grateful on 01/05/2013 Hi Grateful, I'm going to go to City Hospital. It seems to have the better reviews at the moment. Using a guy called Dr George Michailidis who works in a clinic next door and deals with very high risk pregnancies. I met him last week and felt very safe with him. I'm having a girl! Thought it was a boy so was very surprised!

Hi ladies, hope all are doing well. Does anybody else knows the gender yet? So exciting... I'm doing fine, gaining weight by the hour(!!) and started feeling those back pains everybody told me about... Have a great week :)

Hello and welcome Grateful ;) Also, I live on the Ranches and I am 21+4 weeks with my 3rd...I am thinking of trying the Exhale (Motor City) PreNatal pilates on Saturday morning...anyone interested in joining me? I have never pilated before ;) edited by johjoh on 02/05/2013 edited by johjoh on 02/05/2013

Hi ladies congratulations to you all on your lovely bumps. I am 18w2d preggers and I will be moving to Dubai by July with the hubby. That means I will be approximately 7+ months preggers by then and will have to quickly peruse the landscape. I would love to meet other expectant moms. I am due September 30. Can anyone share some names of good high risk OBGYN's? I am looking at American Hospital for delivery but I am open to other facilities. Will also need any general advice on other relevant topics like preggerlates, yoga, where to live etc. I am moving from Qatar. Thank you in advance for your efforts. <em>edited by Grateful on 01/05/2013</em>

Good morning, I'm 20 wks with my 1st baby, due 14th Sept and have my anomaly scan with Dr George today. Hoping to find out if boy/girl!

BTW, anyone knows if they're having a boy or a girl? Any chance my doc will be able to tell on my 16 weeks scan tmrw, or am I being too optimistic? Hi Pichon, I dont know which hospital you're at but I've found that even though the doctor looks at my baby with the ultrasound machine in her office at City during every visit, the quality of the ultrasound is really not up to par with the machine they use for the 20 week scan. I kept thinking if the baby was in the right position that she'd be able to see but I really dont think the machine is designed for that much detail (I could be wrong). I wont be finding out till my scan on May 9th (22 weeks) as it was scheduled late due to the switch in doctors. Over the next three weeks or so we'll have alot of gender announcements!! Does anyone know now? Hi Ummzarinah, my doc is fab and he told us it's definitely a boy ? (Im nearly 16 weeks). My DH already has plans to play football with him and teach him kick boxing. Here goes my opportunity to buy cute pink dresses...

Hi ladies, I'm 21 weeks pregnant due in end of August by my edd but scan shows it's going to b first week of sept. I had my Anamoly scan done this week n expecting a second little princess.anyone knows there baby gender yet or not.Wishing everyone a very smooth n healthy pregnancy.

BTW, anyone knows if they're having a boy or a girl? Any chance my doc will be able to tell on my 16 weeks scan tmrw, or am I being too optimistic? Hi Pichon, I dont know which hospital you're at but I've found that even though the doctor looks at my baby with the ultrasound machine in her office at City during every visit, the quality of the ultrasound is really not up to par with the machine they use for the 20 week scan. I kept thinking if the baby was in the right position that she'd be able to see but I really dont think the machine is designed for that much detail (I could be wrong). I wont be finding out till my scan on May 9th (22 weeks) as it was scheduled late due to the switch in doctors. Over the next three weeks or so we'll have alot of gender announcements!! Does anyone know now?

Hi ladies I'm due 27th Sept and am currently seeing Dr Branch at American, but I might change to a Dr at a clinic nearer to where I live who delivers at City. Weighing up the hassle of getting notes and switching against driving to AH for appointments... Kellyjane & Trinity21 I teach too, and am with BUPA/Oman Insurance...not in a sparkly school though!

Hi ladies, BTW, anyone knows if they're having a boy or a girl? Any chance my doc will be able to tell on my 16 weeks scan tmrw, or am I being too optimistic?

HELP LADIES!!! I am sixteen weeks MashAllah so entered the second trimester.I am not gaining weight.rather lost half kg.Could you guys plz share some recipes to gain weight? If you would love just drink strawberry milk shake :) , good luck

Hi ladies Just joining this thread!!! I'm Kelly and 34 from uk and 19 weeks pregnant! Would love to have a meet up on a weekend if anyone can let me know when and where, I'm a teacher so working full time. I have been seeing dr britt at city but she is leaving and have been recommended dr George but don't think oman insurance cover his clinic. Also dr annika at Dubai mall but can't find anything about her???? Any ideas anyone?? Got 20 weeks scan nxt week, v. Nervous!!!! X Hi kelly, I'm a teacher 2, with Oman insu - prob the same sparkly chain! I'm @ city hospital with dr Anne Philip, she's not long in dubai, just come from the NHS - I really like her & gave me reassurance as I'm from the uk & thought / hoped she'd follow their practices. Due sept 16, 19 wks on sun! Just 1 & my 1st, been in dubai 5 yrs now! edited by Trinity21 on 18/04/2013

Hi Sakn... Welcome to the group.... I never knew there were so many twin pregnancies happening... I was tensed and burst into tears when doctor told me about the twins :) and mine is a natural one. so the doctor was also quite amazed and it is not in my direct family :) im 16 weeks now.. how abt u? I wonder if we should start a separate thread for twin mommies :) :) :)

Hi Bongo... Looks like we both are in the same boat .. me too 16 weeks with twins :).

Hi ladies, I joined this forum about a month or so ago but then went away for three weeks. Anyway, I am 16 weeks pregnant. I have a 2 year old girl and found out at our 12 week scan that we are having twins!! Help. by the way, anyone else having twins!!

Hi ladies Just joining this thread!!! I'm Kelly and 34 from uk and 19 weeks pregnant! I have been seeing dr britt at city but she is leaving and have been recommended dr George but don't think oman insurance cover his clinic. Also dr annika at Dubai mall but can't find anything about her???? Any ideas anyone?? Got 20 weeks scan nxt week, v. Nervous!!!! X