Just found out I am pregnant...somewhat of a surprise as it was not planned.
I can't believe I am even writing the words 'pregnant'.
Anyhow, so much to take in and not sure where to start as this is my first and I am still in a relatively new to the country (8 months here). Plus in my mind there is the question of where to live...remain here in CH with a limited network or people or run back home (UK) to friends and family.
So I guess I am just looking for some advise on what I should be doing next...I know to the doctor but do I go to a GP or Gynae? How does it work here with scans and midwife appointments etc......?
And is CH a good place to bring up a child i.e. schools, cost of living and exposure to life.
Perhaps this is more of a rant thread so apologies....I am just a little scared and shocked.
Congratulations darkhorsedrea! I am sure that you are feeling a bit shocked now but I am equally sure that you will receive lots of good advice here - in fact Nil has already started the ball rolling.
I got two babies since on this forum, lots of tips, help and good words from mommies, daddies and even those who don't have kids but have great common sense.
congrats! so exciting and enjoy the pregnancy, that's the most important thing. make an appointment with your gyn and take a deep breath- you'll find plenty of help/advice/stories here.
I am sure experts on being pregnant in CH will be along shortly
Not sure how many weeks you are but usually the first 8 weeks you don't need to do anything. First scan is around 9-12 weeks. In the US first appointment was at 6 weeks with some blood draw, in the Netherlands around 9 weeks...
Wow Congrats! Just kinda relax and, well, ease into it. Enjoy the honeymoon and go see as many movies and eat out as much as you can now while you're preggers and lovely.
Congratulations! I am pregnant as well- 20 weeks along. We found out very early on (we've been trying for a while so my husband was always bringing home pregnancy tests). I had my first prenatal appointment around 8 weeks or so which basically just involved doing a urine and blood test to confirm. Then I had another appt. about 2 weeks later and had an ultrasound. We have gone to my regular doctor for all of it so far since he is a family practitioner. About a month ago he sent us to the local hospital for another ultrasound since their equipment was better. At the last visit a week ago I had to give some more blood, and every time I go to the dr. they take a urine sample (remember this! because I always forget and end up peeing at home right before we leave).
I think CH is a great place to raise a family, but my comparison is to the US so I can't say what it would be like vs. the UK. I love it here. My older kids (3 and 4) are in play groups and they have a blast. I'm looking forward to them going to school here as I believe they will get a much better quality education than they would have back home.
edit: The one thing that is hard sometimes is not having friends/family here, but then again, I'm not terribly close to my family anyway so most of the time I'm okay with it.
Congratulations! You have to make an appointment with the gyne around 8th weeks (from the 1st day of your last period). I think it is good that you register yourself to www.babycentre.co.uk . It is a very useful website which email you all the information that you need to know (weekly).
I am sure you have insurance by now... . Your insurance company will cover all the cost & the hospitality is very good! I gave birth to my 2 kids (age 5 and 3), I found it very good compared to the UK!
For the time being, just enjoy and have plenty of rest, maintain a healthy diet.
I completely understand what you are saying; it sounds like you are a bit shell-shocked at this unexpected pregnancy. Please do not feel guilty if you are not over the moon immediately; you are likely on a roller coaster of hormones and emotions!
The first trimester of pregnancy is a doozie for many women. Take a deep breath and focus right now on finding the right doctor, eating right and taking your vitamins, and looking after yourself (which means looking after your baby as well!). Give yourself time for your feelings, hormones, and emotions to settle. Arm yourself with knowledge and get a book such as the "What to Expect When You are Expecting"; read it and reassure yourself that even if you are not as excited at this point about your pregnancy as others might be, that does not matter.
And know that even if you might be a bit indifferent or upset at this point in time, many wonderful moms have found themselves in the same position!