lec299 | ExpatWoman.com
 

lec299

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Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 12:57
I went for my 30th - we ate at Al Hadheera, the pizza restaurant, and the rooftop bar (who do HUGE platters of food, don't order too generously!) To be honest, we enjoyed the night at Al Hadheera most and wish we'd saved it for the evening of my birthday - we were in the pizza restaurant and there was a real lack of atmosphere inside (the outside area is small and was filled with one large party eating). We didn't eat at the Indian restaurant, so can't comment. If you book the pizza restaurant and specify you only want to eat outside, I think it could be romantic. But I think the nicest thing to do if you want to avoid Al Hadheera is to grab a table at the rooftop bar for sunset, enjoy a few cocktails/mocktails and then order some platters.
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Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 11:58
I've got mine from Mothercare - I found a really good comfy style (it's the black T-shirt one with polka dots, no underwiring and very comfy) and bought several to see me through the first few weeks after baby (one cup size up - might be returning if we go two cup sizes!) I think it's really pretty for a nursing bra too.
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Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 11:53
Hi ladies, I have just moved to Jumeirah 1 from the Marina, living near to Mercato Mall. I have a good group of friends on the other end of town, but would love to meet some pregnant ladies or new mums on this end of town too. Does anyone have any recommendations of any groups / clubs / classes that I can get involved with (I am 34 weeks so wont be long until baby is here)? Also does anyone have a recommendation of a good paediatrician? I have done my antenatal classes at Healthbay Polyclinic, which looks great for babies too - but if there's someone who is recommended in the Jumeirah 1 area, that would be really handy for days when DH has the car. xx
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 15:05
Thanks for your replies ladies, think we'll head to the MOE one.
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 15:05
Thanks for your replies ladies, think we'll head to the MOE one.
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 11:19
Hi, I was thinking the same myself and saw this company. Thinking of giving them a go as they pick up - we have four bigguns in villa so thats very attractive option!!
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Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 11:04
Hi gem6065 M&P is much more expensive here and also frustrating as they don't have everything that the UK website has. I got my Mamas & Papas Sola pushchair and car seat in the UK too and flew it back with me (you can get some really cheap and good travel bags on eBay so it's still good as new when it arrives). I also bought the liner in the UK as I wanted a particular design and they don't do it here (just to make it comfy - obviously we don't need the winter footmuff one). We've actually decided to get all nursery furniture from IKEA as it's so expensive in Mamas and Papas - but we'll get all the decor bits from Pottery Barn kids, so it'll still look lovely in there. I'm going to go for the best possible cot mattress in IKEA, as my biggest concern is that baby is safe (still only 450 AED). I started seeing my doctor (Dr Nasreen at American Hospital) when I was 8 weeks and have been every month ever since, it's now gone to every two weeks when I got to 30 weeks. I took advice on here and decided to try American Hospital - and mind was totally made up when I went for a tour of the maternity ward where baby would be born, which I loved and felt very comfortable with. It doesn't matter if you swap around a few times until you find the right person, so just take your time.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 19:55
Hi barboram, thanks so much for replying to me. I didn't realise that we had 90 days to register baby - I had heard that we'd need to register the birth fairly quickly at another hospital (or get a company to do it for us). I had just assumed it would be a short time frame, like a week or so - so 90 days could make our situation a whole lot easier! Does anyone know if we will need to show passports / visas while at the hopsital for any reason? I am already registered at AH already as have been having all care there until now.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 19:55
Hi barboram, thanks so much for replying to me. I didn't realise that we had 90 days to register baby - I had heard that we'd need to register the birth fairly quickly at another hospital (or get a company to do it for us). I had just assumed it would be a short time frame, like a week or so - so 90 days could make our situation a whole lot easier! Does anyone know if we will need to show passports / visas while at the hopsital for any reason? I am already registered at AH already as have been having all care there until now.
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Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 22:08
We stayed here in October - can't recommend it enough. http://www.serenityphuket.com/
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Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 21:58
This looks great, thanks for sharing. Will have a look in Bumble Bee.
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Latest post on 04 February 2012 - 21:57
Hi StaceM, what's your email address? Would love to meet for coffee/chat (I'm due 8th april). There's a group of us who met up this week (3 x due in April, 1 x due in Feb) and would be great for more of us to meet too. We met during the day, but I am always happy to do early evening meet-ups. xx
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Latest post on 01 February 2012 - 14:24
Thank you so much ladies, I am really pleased that you have mentioned IKEA, as that was my initial thought re: cots, but thought they might be terrible quality. I am going to have a look and hopefully we can find matching changing table/chest of drawers. Thank you also for all the other tips. Re: getting 30 x Muslin Cloths - was told by mum friends that they are the thing they used most of and I would get through them very quickly and be washing all the time! Maybe I don't need that many?
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Latest post on 28 January 2012 - 22:09
Hi Shire.girl.uk, I have just emailed about meeting up :-) xx
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Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 18:49
Hi there! I went for Dr Nasreen at American Hospital. She's very sweet, gentle, but also very helpful with my millions of questions (this is my first). She can be quite brief in appointments, but I didn't want to make a friend, just have a great Ob Gyn, so that doesn't bother me. Really like it over at American Hospital for my appointments / scans / tests etc - and I like the fact that I am visiting the same hospital that I am giving birth in, so will feel very comfortable when we finally swing up in 10 weeks time in labour! Good luck with making the decision!
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Latest post on 27 January 2012 - 18:44
Hi Shire.girl.uk. I'm due 8th April and just returned from a couple of months in the UK, so I understand how you feel. Is this your first baby? It's my first and I do feel quite overwhelmed at times being away from home, friends and family. I'm glad that you chose American Hospital - it's where I've been going since the beginning of my pregnancy and I feel very comfortable and happy there. We had a tour of the maternity unit and it further convinced me that we'd made the right choice. In terms of where to buy things, I can't be much help as I got most of the big purchases in the UK and flew them back. However, I know that Justkidding-me (online and store) does the big pram brands like Bugaboo, Quinny, Stokke. In the end, we decided on Mamas and Papas, who also have stores here - and am planning to get the nursery furniture from there too. For the smaller practical things I have left to buy, I am going to visit Mothercare in Dubai Mall/Marina Mall. And if you need clothes still, Mothercare/Mamas and Papas/Next all do lovely things (just expect the mark up, as I was quite shocked knowing what they should cost in the UK!) Where are you based in Dubai? I am in the Marina and perhaps we could meet for coffee as the last couple of months approach! xx
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Latest post on 18 January 2012 - 15:05
Hi, I'm currently 28 weeks and will be delivering in American Hospital. I'd really recommend going on the tour (every morning) - just call the main switchboard and ask for the number of the midwife as you have to book a place (it's free, but only a certain number of couples can go each day). I feel so comfortable and confident about giving birth after going on the tour. It was great to meet the staff and see where we will be in a few months time.
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Latest post on 14 January 2012 - 15:10
Hi there, I have a large C shaped pillow from Destination Maternity (Dubai Mall) and I couldn't sleep without it now. I even take it to hotels/friends houses if we are staying overnight. Very comfortable as it supports your back, bump, and hips.
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 19:10
I just think that all babies and mothers are different and respond to different things - which is why there is such a difference of opinion about breastfeeding / formula / breast vs bottle. What works for one baby / mother won't work for another, so you have to find your own way. Interestingly, I was watching a program yesterday on TV that says that it's the same throughout the animal world, not just humans - often sheep, for example, aren't able to breastfeed and the babies have to be passed onto another mother or bottle fed by a farmer. As a first time Mum who is 12 weeks away from giving birth, the wealth of advice / opinion is quite overwhelming! Orchard, I really hope he starts to sleep for you soon. Must be so exhausting for you - and can only imagine how confusing it is when baby has actually arrived. I wish they came with a manual!
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 19:10
I just think that all babies and mothers are different and respond to different things - which is why there is such a difference of opinion about breastfeeding / formula / breast vs bottle. What works for one baby / mother won't work for another, so you have to find your own way. Interestingly, I was watching a program yesterday on TV that says that it's the same throughout the animal world, not just humans - often sheep, for example, aren't able to breastfeed and the babies have to be passed onto another mother or bottle fed by a farmer. As a first time Mum who is 12 weeks away from giving birth, the wealth of advice / opinion is quite overwhelming! Orchard, I really hope he starts to sleep for you soon. Must be so exhausting for you - and can only imagine how confusing it is when baby has actually arrived. I wish they came with a manual!
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 16:20
Thanks Green-ish - I'm doing ante-natal classes and breastfeeding is covered in the last week. Also plan to book a consultant to come to the house to help after the birth. I just don't feel overly passionate about it like some women do - but have always wanted to give baby best start and 6 weeks sounds a good target initially. I do find it confusing that some women suggest introducing a bottle from the beginning (my friend didn't - her baby is now 6 months, doesn't sleep for more than 3 hours at a time, and won't take a bottle from anyone - so she strongly recommended me to introduce early). I guess everybody's babies are different - and I really don't have anything against feeding with formula, so will just see how it goes and move over if it doesnt work!
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 15:33
I am 27 weeks and have noticed baby being quieter some days than others for past couple of weeks. I have a fetal heart monitor, which was really reassuring during the quieter days (where I'd still feel him, but not as regularly). He's started getting a bit more active again now, maybe it was all the Christmas food making him sleepy!
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 15:33
I am 27 weeks and have noticed baby being quieter some days than others for past couple of weeks. I have a fetal heart monitor, which was really reassuring during the quieter days (where I'd still feel him, but not as regularly). He's started getting a bit more active again now, maybe it was all the Christmas food making him sleepy!
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 15:29
Hi I'm 27 weeks and started buying a few weeks ago. I am already starting to feel energy disappear, so I would do it while you have the energy. I like the list below - it is pretty much the same as mine.
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Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 15:26
Hi there. I am 27 weeks pregnant with first child, so can't talk from experience - but I was chatting to a friend with a baby yesterday and she said that she breastfed during day and formula-fed for last feed and dream feed at night (he slept completely through after 3 months). I've heard some people saying it isn't best idea, as once baby has formula, he wants formula only - but she is proof that it can and does work. I'm going to try this from the beginning when baby is born (assuming I am able to breastfeed at all, which I am putting myself under no pressure over). I hope it helps x
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Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 16:23
Thank you so much for your replies - I've decided that I think it would be beneficial, but love the suggestion of Health Bay Clinic so have emailed them for dates/costs. x
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Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 16:56
HI everyone, thank you for your messages and advice! I am going to look at these areas. xx
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 00:58
Hi everyone, we have just found out that we are unable to renew our apartment contract when it runs out in February, so we need to move when I am 8 months pregnant. Not so worried about the moving itself, as we used a great company last time and it was fairly stress free (not looking forward to swapping the Dewa, Du etc though - but that's a general moan, rather than pregnancy!) My query is really in terms of areas. We are currently in the Marina, which is useful as I don't drive and will be able to head out with pram when the weather allows it (or jump on the metro with pram when it isn't!) But we're considering heading to Umm Suqeim or Jumeirah, as I quite like the idea of having a family "home", rather than apartment (this is our first baby). I'd like to join baby clubs / groups to make some friends with babies - and I wondered how easy that would be in that area? Is there lots going on that I could walk to - or is it more spread out and requires a car? (ideally we'd be near Mercato/Village Mall). If anyone has any advice on areas that are good for families (with a non-driving mother!) would be much appreciated. I do drive in the UK, but am very nervous about driving in Dubai and don't to be honest think I'd be safe on the roads as I tend to panic. Thank you!
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Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 18:26
Destination Maternity is well worth a visit, as not all the clothes in there are very expensive. I got two black dresses, which are really simple but easily work for eveningwear with heels, glitzy jewellery - and they were 200 AED each. The other option is to order on ASOS.com, which delivers worldwide for free - if you have enough time though, as I don't know what the delivery promise is internationally. http://www.asos.com/Women/Maternity/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=5813
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Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 21:38
Thank you - I really don't know, but assumed it was about 30 weeks?
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 14:36
Ha ha, know what you mean about baby kicking in the night! Our little one enjoys an early morning somersault and kicking session - around 5am, which isn't very helpful! I'm at American Hospital with Dr Nasreen. x
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 14:36
Ha ha, know what you mean about baby kicking in the night! Our little one enjoys an early morning somersault and kicking session - around 5am, which isn't very helpful! I'm at American Hospital with Dr Nasreen. x
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Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 21:29
Hi ladies, I had my 20 week scan a couple of weeks ago and it's a little boy :-) Our first baby and we're very excited. Looks like there's a lot of boys arriving in April! How is everyone feeling? I've got some energy again and feeling great. Just a little hip pain at night that keeps me awake at times. x
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Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 17:21
Hi mangofreddie - I am going to American Hospital and I absolutely love it. I had my 20 week scan this morning and also had a tour of the maternity ward. Both myself and DH felt very comfortable being there from Day 1 (we have Dr Nasreen) and I hope you will like it as much as we do. How is everyone doing? We had the scan this morning, fingers crossed all OK as won't get results until Sunday. It's a boy - we're thrilled!
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Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 13:53
Thanks so much everyone! I tried on lots of jeans yesterday at Dubai Mall, but none really looked good and felt comfortable enough to justify the price tags. I ended up buying a pair of structured leggings (with pockets and seams etc) from Destination Maternity for 450 AED - they are so comfy that Ill be living in them back in the UK. Kelly_C, thanks for the tip about Next - am going to try and get into a Next in the UK while I'm home and pick a few pairs up there. Shame that they aren't available in Dubai.
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Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 15:58
I've emailed quickly before your address gets deleted! Speak soon.
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Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 15:45
Hi duddym - I'm in exactly the same situation. I decided that I would go to the coffee morning when I was quite a lot more pregnant - maybe like 8 months - and then it wouldn't be too long before I was introducing baby. When is your baby due? I'm due in early April and live in the Marina - we could always head to one together?
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Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 12:59
Thanks so much GrenArdo. I always imagined I would have my children in the UK on nhs ward, so it does sound like a much nicer experience - but I guess it completely depends on how labour goes. Really appreciate all your help. Good luck with your third :-)
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Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 12:00
We should get together and immerse ourselves in Christmas activities! By the way, don't watch the new M&S Christmas Advert online - I watched it this morning and it made me want to wish myself home!
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Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 11:51
HI amel123, You sound like you're in a really similar position to us. This is our first Christmas in Dubai too - after getting married in UK last December in the snow (the PERFECT Christmas!) My DH needs to work on Boxing Day - so we are staying put. I'm 18 weeks pregnant - so we want to make sure that we can head back for Christmas in 2012 with the baby - so feel like this is the right time (and last opportunity) to have a Christmas on our own - but can't help feeling sad about it! We think we might go out on Christmas Day (I love the idea of Christmas at home - but like you, it will just be the 2 of us and we are used to busy christmas days, so it might be a bit depressing). I've been looking up brunches in Time Out (there is a whole page dedicated to Christmas festivities every week). Where abouts do you live? We're in the Marina and there are quite a few places round here. One thing I know is that I'm going to go made with decorations in the flat! And we're flying home on the 28th December for New Year - and I have demanded a second Christmas with family!
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Latest post on 09 November 2011 - 11:45
Thanks everyone for your replies - feel like I have a better understanding now and I am going to the tour next week too :) Now I just need to start on the endless shopping list for newborns..!
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Latest post on 05 November 2011 - 20:57
Thanks so much nutty - that's so helpful, really appreciate it. So you go to the delivery room first, before moving back to your room after birth? Does anyone know what happens if there are no rooms left when you arrive at the hospital? Would I be sent somewhere else?
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Latest post on 05 November 2011 - 20:09
Hello everyone. I'm pregnant with my first baby and nearing 20 weeks. Getting to the half way point has made me start thinking about the birth (have thus far been trying to ignore that it will eventually happen!) and wondered if anyone could help me get a better idea of what it is like in Dubai. I'm giving birth at American Hospital and been really happy with my trips there so far. We haven't been offered a tour of where the babies are born yet (I'm going to ask for this at our next scan next week) and I do feel a little daunted by the prospect of being away from home (UK) and what it will be like to be there before/after birth. I know this sounds very silly, but I wondered if anyone could give me an idea of the way it will work - do you have your own room throughout? Is there ensuite? Can my husband stay with me - or will he need to head home every night? will there be a team of midwifes, with my doctor arriving at the last minute to deliver (I plan for natural birth, fingers crossed!) Do you think they'll be happy with my birth plan to have epidural on arrival? (I know this isn't always granted in the UK) and whether I may be allowed to lie in the bath in the bathroom (if ensuites exist) for a while during labour - something I have read is really beneficial? Will baby stay with me in room after birth? (assuming he/she is doing well). If anyone on here has given birth there recently I would really appreciate some insight. I hope I don't sound too ignorant - first baby and away from home, so just want some reassurance. xxxx
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Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 18:01
Hello ladies, Just catching up on all your news as not been on EW for a while. We had our scan at American Hospital two weeks ago now - was just amazing, baby was so naughty as he/she kept doing somersaults and trampolining. Finally got into position and we got the NT scan done (all looking good). Was a bit disappointed that they said it was too early to see boy/girl, but I knew it was a long shot as so early. I'm nearly 15 weeks now, so not too long until the next appointment to find out. How is everyone feeling now? I'm not really sure, as been really poorly with a cold/flu thing - so not sure whether my tiredness and general poorliness is due to that or pregnancy. Hoping to come out of it feeling amazing! Also been getting a racing heart after eating every evening, which was a bit unnerving. I looked it up online and can be a common symptom of iron deficiency in pregnancy, so I am now taking some supplements (was always borderline anemic so makes sense to take them now I guess). xxx
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Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 21:23
Hi ladies, That's so rude CoffeeGal! Just be proud of your changing body - I'm so excited about it! I'm 12 weeks on Tuesday and can't wait to reach that milestone! Got next scan (and tests etc) at 13 weeks at AH, so still a week or so to wait until we're revealing the news. Can't come quick enough now - tired of keeping such a huge secret and trying to hide my little bump! I didn't have much sickness at all luckily - just extreme tiredness and that hasn't passed yet. Hoping I get the surge of energy that they promise in 2nd trimester soon, as we have visitors arriving in 10 days and I really want to be feeling a bit more sociable (and not crawling under duvet at 9pm every evening!) Hope everyone else is well xxx
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Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 12:50
Hello everyone! I had my first appointment at American Hospital yesterday (Dr Nasreen) and saw the baby again - arms and legs now, very exciting (9+6 today). Also heard the heartbeat for the first time (we saw it last time, but was so amazing to actually hear it!) Got to wait for my next scan until 13 weeks, as I am back in the UK for a bit - but bursting to tell everyone now, so it can't come quick enough! I also have a very obvious bloated belly and wondering how I can hide it for the next three weeks...! I really want to join yoga when out of the first trimester - I was thinking Exhale in the Marina, as they run pregnancy yoga and it's really convenient for me. But if you discover a really good class elsewhere, maybe a few of us could team up and go along together? Anyway, hope you are all feeling OK. xx
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Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 11:25
Hi Nimonemo, would love to say hi.
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 16:07
PS - CoffeeGal, I've heard that pregnancies can mirror our mother's pregnancies very closely. I just had a friend who had a healthy baby at full term - and she had bleeding at 12 weeks into her pregnancy, just as her Mum did with her. It's great that you saw the heartbeat. xx
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Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 16:06
Hello ladies, Can I join you? I'm due on 8th April and it's my first baby :-) Feel quite daunted by the fact everything is new anyway - and I'm doing it away from friends and family, so would love to have people to chat to in Dubai due around the same time. In UK at the moment (back in UAE next week) and had private scan yesterday at 8 weeks - saw the little heart flickering which was AMAZING to see! First appointment in UAE is 11.09 at the American Hospital. I'm based in the Marina if anyone fancies meeting for a coffee to chat :-)
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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 12:09
Hi AussiePup. I'm due April 8th (Easter Day). First baby and very excited to see baby for first time yesterday and see little heartbeat, measuring 8 weeks now. I don't feel too bad - just tired, a little nauseous every now and again, and extremely bloated already!