Living Overseas

Is anyone else out there a kiwi who is looking at getting pregnant and having a baby overseas? I am in Egypt and more than a little freaked out it all. I try not to go to the doctors over here, going a hospital here is one of my worst fears but now we are ready to start trying for a baby I'm looking at all that being neccesary. And... no coffee group, antenatal group, Plunket or organic nursery is on the cards for our baby! I'd love to get in touch with any other women in similar situations.

Charlie

Hi Charlie - not in your situation now, but was living in japan when i found out I was pregnant with Jake and Taine, and so went through pregnancy overseas.

I had both of my children in Saudi Arabia (2005 and 2007) and my ob/gyn and the hospital were both great. The hospital was like staying in a hotel. After hearing stories from friends that have had babies in NZ I am so glad I had them over there.

I was really lucky as my first was such an easy baby - you are basically sent home without any help and only go to the hospital for vaccinations. Luckily there were lots of mothers on our compound so I went to them if I had any questions.

Hey there

I know exactly what you are going thru. I lived in Saudi for 2 years and then Bahrain for 4 years. I was pregnant with my third whilst in bahrain and I decided to go home to NZ to have her. My husband had fantastic leave and he came back 1 week before my due date and we spent 3 weeks together before heading back. I left 1 day before my no fly time at 36 weeks and with my pregnancy brain missed the first flight home. 17.00 hours is not 7pm. I know that but my brain was just not working. Luckily I managed to get another flight and it all worked out ok.

I had had two previous pregnancy and the labours both had complications which is why I went home. For a normal healthy pregnancy these countries are well set up. Do you have insurance thru your work. If so you should have access to some great medical facilities. Cairo especially. But be prepared for a more american style labor etc. Lots of monitoring and drugs rather than al naturale. The upside is I got two 3D scans during my pregnancy which were so cool. With eid they will probably want to induce you early so you don't interfere with the holiday. That is something you may want to think seriously about as I wouldn't guarantee your doctor being available during the holiday.

How long have you been there and are you over the upset tummy thing. I got so sick on my trip to egypt that I can only imagine being pregnant and sick too.

Are you a member of any expat groups. Maybe contact the british wives association or the american womans groups for info on where other expats give birth etc.

Take care and hope you have a great pregnancy.

Saad hospital is where I had Zac and Samara. We lived in the Al Bustan compound in Al Khobar.

Are you still in the Middle East?

Kim wrote: Saad hospital is where I had Zac and Samara. We lived in the Al Bustan compound in Al Khobar. Are you still in the Middle East?

No we moved to the US two years ago. When we were in khobar we lived in sunrise compound (out by the desalination plant) and then moved into al nada before heading over to bahrain. Ended up becoming aramcons but living in bahrain without the company knowing. Most of my friends have left now however I still know a few hanging out in aramco. Are you still there? I miss my life over there so much and if we got the chance I would be back in a heartbeat. My hubby on the other hand found it so frustrating. It was for his sanity that we left. Sorry to hijack the thread charlie.