Pregnancy in Spain

Labour and childbirth in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 20:55:00 +0000

Well hello to everyone - thanks for all the emails and comments. I'm fine and fully recovered from the caesarian operation and this is the first time I've had a chance to write a new blog since Thomas was born.

Thomas was born at 3.50 am on 15th Septmeber. He weighed a healthy 4 kilos 70 grams when he was born (not 4 kilos 750 grams as posted on the previous blog!).

It's great being a mother and Thomas is the best baby ever - it's a wonderful experience and nothing you can really imagine till it happens.

Labour was induced as I had gone a week over my due date and had already started dilating. Everything started well I was taken to a room with my partner at 10am - there was a bed in one half and the delivery table in the other half. There were 2 midwives to look after me who were very nice.

I wasn't in any pain at all for the first few hours before the epidural thanks to my Tens machine which I hired from Mothercare in the UK. The midwives were very interested in it as they had read about Tens but never seen one. The machine really worked for me and when I had contractions I hardly felt any pain at all. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone planning to give birth here. The only method of pain relief available in hospitals for childbirth in this part of Spain is the epidural.

I was given the epidural quite early on even though I wasn't in pain which was suprising. Even though I 'd had the epdural the last 10 hours of labour were extremely painful because the midwives didn't top it up enough - I'm not sure why...nothing was really explained to me. Another thing that happened was that because my labour was so long the midwives changed. Whereas the first midwves introduced themselves the new ones didn't bother.

In one email somebody asked if it's necessary to be able to speak Spanish or have someone with you who speaks Spanish during labour and the answer is in my opinion definitely yes. You really need to know what's going on and to be able to communicate with the medical staff.

Finally after many hours of painful contractions I was rushed to surgery for an emergency caesarian.

I can remember quite a lot - I didn't feel any pain - it felt like the doctors were rumaging around in my stomach. I heard Thomas cry when he was lifted out and then the doctors showed him to me - after that I everything seemed to blur but I remember being taken to the recovery room feeling wonderful and sleeping off the effects of the anaesthetic.

Then I was taken to my room where my partner and mother (who arrived earler that day) were waiting. Shortly afterwards the nurses brought in baby Thomas and I held him in my arms for the first time which was the most wonderful, amazing moment.

Reflecting on my experience of giving birth in a Spanish hospital I have to say it was disappointing - I probably wouldn't choose to give birth here again. Apart from anything else the cultural differences make the whole process a lot more difficult (not to mention the lack of choice in pain relief).

The stay in hospital was not a pleasant experience for various reasons. Other mothers from my antenatal class also said that the level of care in the hospital was very poor. Yesterday I met another English woman with a baby just 2 weeks younger than Thomas we got round to discussing childbirth here, apparently her labour had not been that bad but before I even mentioned the hospital she said that her stay in hospital here was awful!

Childbirth in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 07:42:00 +0000

This morning baby Thomas was born in Spain, weighing in at 4.75 kilos!! It was a difficult birth, but both baby and mother are fine now and are resting in hospital.

Welcome to the world Thomas, and congratulations to Noelene and Sabin from your family, friends and colleagues at Euroresidentes.

Buying a pushchair in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 09:43:00 +0000

This is the second article about buying a pushchair in Spain. We finally decided on a Quinny Buzz with a carrycot fixture because we liked the modern design and we felt the price was reasonable (around 500 euros). The system here is that you have to order the pram at least 2 months in advance.

When we ordered the pram from a shop called Bambino (a specialist shop for all sorts of goods relating to babies) the assistant advised us to get what she called a universal piece fixed onto the pram so that we could use any type of sunshade with it.

I got a call in August to say that the pushchair was in the warehouse but that the person who had to fix the umbrella piece onto the pram was on holiday. I said I didn't mind waiting a week or so. After 3 weeks we started to get a bit nervous as I was then 39 weeks pregnant. After no news from the shop I called to see what was happening. I was told it would be delivered in a couple of days. Following that we went to the shop and again were told a couple a days. After that I called to say that I wanted it that week. It was delivered the next day almost one month late.

However we were in for a nasty surprise because the universal umbrella fixture has been attached so badly. For a start it wasn't a universal piece and was never intended for fixing onto our pram. Secondly the frame hadn't been dismantled for it to fit on (the reaso we were told it would be delivered late). Instead someone had sawn the piece in half, leaving sharp bits of plastic on each side and then they had tried to force it around the frame very badly and had drilled two holes in the frame and used two different type of fixtures to fix it on. But as if that wasn't bad enough, they had fixed it close to where the maxicosi carseat needs to be placed so that to fit the car seat onto the pram you really have to force it everytime.

We were very upset after having waited for almost 3 months and then to see what they had done. We went to the shop the next day. At first the shop assistant tried to fob us off saying it was normal. I've asked for a new frame immediately. Apparently the shop is going to call me today with a solution...

The only good thing about this situation is that I haven't paid for the pram yet only the deposit.

UPDATE: I got a call from the shop the next day and was able to collect the new pram the following day so luckily a satisfactory solution. This time I've ordered the umbrella for the Quinny Buzz bought the proper fixture for fitting it onto the pram (3 euros) - now I just have to wait for the umbrella (hope it's not another 2 or 3 months)...

Spanish baby clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 08:08:00 +0000

There seems to be quite a big difference between what I think is appropriate for a new born baby and what’s considered normal here in Spain. Anyone who has Spanish in laws will know what I’m talking about. As I now nearing the end of my pregnancy (8 months and counting) I’m starting to receive gifts of clothes and also used clothes from my partner’s relatives.

His sister very kindly gave me a box full of used baby clothes (she has a 3 year old boy). However, I was dismayed by what I found inside. There were a lot of these intricate very pale blue jersey type things with very small openings for the neck and buttons at the back – they were also made of 100% acrylic. A definite no as far as I’m concerned. Apart from the aesthetics, the fact that they were acrylic and had buttons at the back and looked really uncomfortable means there’s no way I’m using them. There were also a couple of bodysuits but again all the poppers were at the back which somehow just seems impractical. The last time I changed a nappy was 14 years ago and the idea of trying to button everything at the back seems illogical to me. The only thing I found in the box that I thought I might use was a little short-sleeved body that looked like it had never been worn – (this is probably because it had pink pictures on it).

Then following a big family meal I was presented with some new baby clothes, I tried to smile bravely on looking at the selection. There was a bodysuit with a big plastic transfer on the front (I’ve already changed it for some plain short sleeved vests) plus one of those acrylic crocheted jumper things with big ties on the shoulders and buttons down the back and then some little wrap over vests. The only thing is the wrap over vests had long ribbon ties to fasten them. Again this seems really impractical but I’m sure I’ve also read somewhere that it’s not a good idea for safety reasons having long ties on baby clothes. So I’m going to try and change them for ones with poppers and also a larger size as they are for 0 – 1 months and look like they wouldn’t fit a doll. Needless to say everything was pale blue. However, I was a bit dismayed to find so many pale blue baby clothes in the Mothercare catalogue too.

The second antenatal class

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 07:44:00 +0000

Yesterday I went to the second antenatal class at my local healthcare centre. This time it was a bit more structured that the one last week.

There was a midwife and a nurse. Firstly the nurse showed us how to bath a newborn baby. It was quite funny as she used a rather large, old doll to demonstrate what to do. Then the midwife talked about breastfeeding which was quite informative.

She mentioned that the hospital here used to have a midwife dedicated soley to helping women get started on breastfeeding but that this is no longer the case. She mentioned how important it is to wear the correct type of bra and admitted that in Spain its very difficult to find a well fitting bra. Generally in Spain you can't buy a bra with a cup size! Something which I've always found rather bizarre. Do all Spainish women share the same cup size? I was a bit shocked when someone in the class undressed to show us her bra and then her breasts (she wanted to know whether they looked normal!). Her bra was the wrong sort as it had wire under the cup (you're not supposed to wear underwired bras when pregnant).

Following this people just asked general questions. One woman wanted to know whether she could cut her newborn baby's hair with a head shaver or whether this might damage the baby's head! She was worried she might not like how the baby looked with a lot of hair. How strange.

The the midwife talked about how our relationships with our partners would change following the birth of our babies. However, she only focussed on the difficulties and I found this rather disheartening. I am under no illusions as to how hard its going to be - one of the reasons I have left motherhood rather late (I'm almost 38 years old) but I didn't need reminding at 8 months pregnant going on nine.

I wonder what next weeks class will be about?

The first antenatal Class

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:11:00 +0000

I attended my first antenatal class today. An interesting experience. It was due to start at 9am but infact didn't start until 9.30am as the midwife decided to wait for the latecomers. It lasted 2 hours without a break (needless to say that I dying to go to the toilet afterwards).

There didn't seem to be much structure to the class - luckily the midwife went over breathing techniques briefly (I'd missed the previous 3 classes while I was in the UK).

I had a disagreement with the midwife when she was talking about what happens at the hospital and during the birth. Here they tie you to a bed if you have an epidural and I protested and said I didn't think this was necessary, as far as I know this doesn't happen in the UK. She wasn't very sympathetic and said that the British health service wasn't was good as here (she's probably never been to he UK). This is something I feel quite strongly about and I don't like the idea of being tied down during birth...!

She said that in a natural birth (ie without an epidural) you can be in any position you like but with an epidural you have to be tied to the bed. I wonder if this is the same in the whole of Spain? It sounds like this is convenient for the doctors and midwives but it sounds a bit old fashioned to me.

The third scan

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 12:56:00 +0000

I've just got back from a short break in the UK. It was nice to be in a cooler climate. Even though there's a heat wave in Britain at the moment it's nothing compared to here. It's so hot I can't go out and have to stay indoors with the windows closed (the air outside heats up the flat otherwise) and the blinds down. The only way I can cool off is by having frequent cool showers and having the air fan on constantly. When I got back here yesterday evening with my partner the room thermometer read over 30 degrees...and then there's the humidity to cope with too!

Anyway, I went to what I expect to be the last scan before the birth and everything looks fine the baby is a good size and it was exciting to actually see the little person who's constantly wriggling around in my tummy trying to find a comfortable position.

When I was in the UK I ordered a tens machine from Mothercare. It's a small hand held machine which gives gentle impulses into the skin through small pads which are attached to to your back. The impulses are supposed to stimulate the body to release endorphins, the body's own natural pain relieving hormones. Most of my friends who have had children have used one. It was really easy to order over the phone and will be delievered to my UK address 3 weeks before the due date (my mum is going to bring it over for me). I don't think anyone has ever heard of them over here but it's non invasive and totally safe so definitely worth a try.

Another thing I got to help me through the later stages of pregnancy is a special pillow from Mothercare in a wedge shape to help support my bump as it gets bigger and bigger so that I can get more comfortable in bed.

I hope it gets a bit cooler here otherwise another thing I'll need to invest in is a portable air conditioning system to get me through the last weeks.

Preganancy and air travel

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 14:54:00 +0000

This is an update on an earlier blog I wrote about air travel. I've just come over to the UK for a couple of weeks by plane at 31 weeks pregnant. I'll be 33 weeks pregnant when I go back.

I went to a lot of trouble trying to get a medical certificate for travelling as stipulated by the airline on their website. The first one my obstetrician gave me was just scribbled on a piece of paper. The second one I got was a bit better, I also had the added complication that I live in Spain but was travelling from France with a British company (I live just on the border with France).

As it turned out no-one asked me for a medical certificate. The journey was no problem and I felt as comfortable as anyone else given the lack of space. It was a short flight (90 mins).

One funny coincidence was that I was sitting next to a doctor which I found out when we got chatting. That helped me put my mind at rest too!

The only special preparation that I did was to avoid fizzy drinks a couple of days beforehand as I had read in one of my pregancy books that this can give you bloating and make you feel uncomfortable. I also made sure that I drank plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.

Although I was a little apprehensive about flying I now realise that it's not really a health risk as long as the pregnancy is normal at the time.

I travel back next week which is the last week I'm allowed to fly while pregnant. I hope the journey is as comfortable as the outward one.

Pregnancy and Feet

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 12:37:00 +0000

There are several disadvantages of being 8 months pregnant during the summer in Spain. Not only the heat, (although I'm writing this from the UK wear we're having some sort of mediterrranean heat wave with temperatures around 31 degrees at the hottest part of the day) I have to admit it doesn't bother me that much apart from the fact that my sweat glands seems to be working overtime. The other problem is that with my growing weight my legs and especially feet ache a lot.

So far I haven't got swollen ankles, maybe that's something that will happen later on...But with the extra weight I'm carrying (so far I've put on 15 kilos and still have 2 months to go...) I find it very hard on my feet. This is exacerbated by the hot weather as I'm not used to wearing sensible sandals and have up to now been wearing flip flops with wafer thin soles. Sensible but fashionable sandals are very hard to find - as I'm in the UK at the moment I tried Clarks but as their sale is already underway there wasn't much left.

Am going to try and get something sensible from a small shop that stocks brands such as Ecco Merrelle and Birkenstock. However will have to go for comfort over fashion...perhaps this is where my fashion downfall begins...

Buying a cot mattress in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 13:39:00 +0000

Another item on the must buy list is a new cot mattress. I've heard that using a secondhand mattress has been linked to 'cot deaths' although there doesn't seem to be any information on this here in Spain. Spanish people here don't seem to be aware of the risks related to this subject and there aren't any information leaflets available at the health centre (there aren't any information leaflets available on anything related to pregnancy or childbirth for that matter).

It took me some time to convince my partner of the importance of this but finally I managed to get my point of view across. I asked at the couple of shops I know here but they only sold mattresses in the sizes for the cots they sold. A friend has offered me her old cot which is a standard sized cot.

After searching the Mothercare website in Spain I found out that they actually have a shop in Pamplona which is only an hour's drive from here (not including the half hour we spent driving in circles trying to find the shopping centre which is so new that it doesn't have any signs to it yet).

Problem solved anyway, we got to Mothercare and although quite small it had a lot of stock in the warehouse which wasn't on display. I haven't bought my cot matress yet but now I know I can get one with the special anti-bacterial fibres and a special airflow system it's put my mind at rest...but I did get a moses basket and stand for about half the price they cost here.

Another thing I'm thinking of getting is a special nappy bin that seals each bag that contains a used nappy. The one they stock in Mothercare is the Tommee Tippee Nappy Wrapper. The only thing is I'm not sure whether it's really worth it or not...

Pain relief during childbirth in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 08:31:00 +0000

This is a subject that has been on my mind for a while. Last week I met up with a friend of a friend, both English, who had given birth just 3 months ago and who was over for a short break in San Sebastian. She had a delightful baby boy.

We discussed lots of things but one of them was her experience during the birth. She told me that she used gas and air to control the pain during contractions and that in the end she didn't need an epidural as she found this was sufficient. She also mentioned that it made her feel rather dizzy (or in her words as 'high as a kite'). She explained how she was in control of taking the gas and air by breathing through a face mask when needed. An important point that she made was that this method of pain relief is completely safe for the baby as it doesn't cross the placenta and has very little side effects.

I've just seen the midwife this morning and one of my questions was about what types of pain relief were available and the answer was only the epidural. Given that this is only administered in the later stages labour when sufficient dilation has taken place I asked what else was available for the earlier stages. The answer was none.

When I mentioned the possibility of birthing pools she looked at me as if I was on another planet. I didn't even bother mentioning TENS which I've heard can be quite useful as a pain relief method during contractions.

Yet another example of how I beleive the Spanish healthcare system fails in women's health. Gas and air may not be ideal as it can make you feel rather high but its cheap and safe and helps with pain relief so why not make it available for those who want it, after all this is the 21st century.

I wonder how much a TENS machine is - I think I need to investigate.

Pregnancy and the beach

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 07:22:00 +0000

It's really started to get hot in the part of Spain where I live and this weekend I managed to get to the beach twice.

I'm 7 months pregnant now and have almost grown out of the maternity bikini I bought back in March...I just hope it'll last as I don't really want to fork out another 65 euros just for a couple of months wear. The trouble is I am bulging out of it in all directions! Another thing is I've been very lucky not have suffered with cellulite before now but being pregnant seems to have changed that!

I've found it's helpful to have a sarong sometimes to cover my bump or just to wrap around myself if I want to go for a stroll along the beach. A beach shade and high suntan protector (factor 30) are also another essential item when planning to go to the beach as is a large bottle of water as it's really important not to get dehydrated.

As for swimming in the sea - it's a nice way to cool off and I just make sure I get in slowly and don't plunge straight in.

Another thing that I need to invest in is a comfy chair, at the moment I'm making do with sitting up on a towel. Lying on my back is a bit too uncomfortable and not really recommended at this stage of pregnancy.

I think it's important to keep my bump cool and am not really sure how long I can sunbathe for, but usually I can't stand more than a couple of hours on the beach at a time anyway.

It's a nice way to relax and nice to see other couples on the beach with little babies and think that'll be me this time next year!

Buying a pushchair

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 07:52:00 +0000

I didn't realise that buying a pushchair could be so complicated or so expensive!

I live in San Sebastian and there's only one shop that I know of that has a wide selection of pushchairs. It also only has the most expensive models. Another big disadvantage is that you have to order your chosen pushchair at least 2 months in advance because the shop only has models on display.

Apart from that, there are so many extra accessories to get that the price can easily shoot up to almost 1000 euros.

I've been doing some research into the possibility of buying a pushchair when I'm back in the UK for a few weeks over the summer and it seems that Mothercare has a wide range at varying prices. Also if you go to one of the larger stores you can choose the one you like and buy it that day. If it isn't in stock then you can order it and receive it in 5 days. Much better.

However, I will be ordering mine today from the shop here because after extensive research and hours spent on the internet comparing prices I've found that the model I want is actually cheaper here. But I resent having to order it so far in advance - obviously it's perfect for the shop which not only has a monopoly here but also doesn't have in invest in stock ... all at the inconvenience of the consumer!

Antenatal classes

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Thu, 25 May 2006 07:49:00 +0000

Now that I'm 6 months pregnant I've started to think about the birth and preparation for it. At my last appointment with the obstetrician it was me who brought up the subject of antenatal classes. I was told to go and see the mid-wife.

A few weeks later I went to see the mid-wife (no appointment was necessary) and she asked me why I hadn't been earlier. So I explained that I had taken the initiative in asking about antenatal care as nothing had been mentioned in any of my appointments so far.

She wrotoe my name and telephone number in a notebook and said that they would call me when I needed to start. I asked whether partners were welcome and the answer was firmly no.

I am very disappointed by this (although not altogether surprised) and it seems like another downfall in the Spanish system. The reason I was given for partners not being allowed to attend is that there isn't enough space - but really I believe it is because the system is still old fashioned and out of date especially when it comes to women's health. Perhaps its different in other parts of Spain (I live in Guipuzcoa in the North).

Another annoying thing that happened to me this week is that I went into prenatal to get some t-shirts as I am rapidly growing out all my clothes. They didn't have any decent ones left in my size and when I asked the over-powering sales assistant she said that they wouldn't be receiving anymore summer stock and would only be getting in winter stock.

Well it's still May and summer hasn't even started yet...so how crazy is that!

Pregnancy and sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Tue, 16 May 2006 07:50:00 +0000

Now that I'm 6 months pregnant I'm finding it hard to get comfortable in bed. I used to sleep on my stomach but thats impossible now.

From what I've read in books about pregnancy you're supposed to sleep on your left side with a cushion for support. Apparently you're not supposed to sleep on your right side although the reasons for this aren't clear. And sleeping on your back is bad for you and gives you backache because of the weight you're carrying.

The above advice has proved useful and I usually manage to fall asleep on my left side although I do find myself sometimes lying on my back or right side as sleeping in one position for 8 hours is almost impossibe and also quite uncomfortable. Often when I wake up I have lower back ache but luckily I've got my partner into the habit of giving me a quick back massage in the morning before he goes to work and it seems to do the trick as I don't have backache once I'm up and about.

Last night I woke up with terrible cramp for the first time - this is also a common complaint aswell as getting pins and needles which I've also had.

Another thing is the heat. Now its started to get hot during the day, it's much warmer at night and this is also another reason why I'm finding it hard to sleep at night. A cooling electric fan is a must.

Apart from the physical aspects of pregnany and sleep there's also the racing mind and worries. A good rememdy for this is a glass of cold milk which aswell as being sleep inducing is also a boost to your daily calcium intake.

I also recently read an article in the Guardian about specially shaped cushions that can help support your bump. Although they look a bit pricey I'm might invest in one when I go to the UK. I think they sell them in Boots, John Lewis and Mothercare and they cost between 20 and 30 pounds.

Air Travel and Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 08 May 2006 08:15:00 +0000

I have just booked a 3 week trip to the UK. I'll be 29 weeks pregnant when I fly out and 33 weeks when I fly back.

Before booking the flight I did a bit of research into the pros and cons of air travel when pregnant. As far as I can see air travel isn't recommended until after the first trimester - (not knowing I was pregnant at the end of December I travelled 4 times by plane and at that time I was 4 weeks pregnant!).

I haven't found any specific reasons for not flying while pregnant although it's important to remember that you'll need a medical certificate to show that you have had no complications in the pregnancy and also your delivery date if you're planning to travel between the 27th and 33rd week of pregnancy. Some airlines let you travel up to 36 weeks pregnant.

When I asked my obstetrician for a medical certificate she gave me a note dating the conception date and the delivery date. It was written on what they normally use for referrals to see a consultant. I'm not sure whether this really counts as an official medical certificate and it doesn't state that I'm in good health and have had a normal pregnancy so far. I will have to ask again at my next appointment as I feel that I should be entitled to something better. Another point is that although I live in Spain I'll be travelling from France with a British airline so I need to check with them whether they need anything in English or whether Spanish is OK?

The second scan

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Wed, 03 May 2006 12:23:00 +0000

I had my second scan last week (21 weeks pregnant) in a private clinic (paid for by social security) as there were no appointments available in my local health centre where I normally go for my regular check ups.

I was a bit nervous as not only was I going to find out if the baby is a girl or a boy but also whether the baby is growing at a normal rate and/or any other possible complications.

The clinic wasn't very well organised first of all I had to wait ages to be seen (at least 40 mins) as it was packed. Finally I was called into the room by a rather gruff nurse who seemed to have a permanent scowl. Luckily the doctor was very nice and explained everything carefully. Also this time I could see the screen quite clearly (unlike last time).

Everything was fine and we were told it is a boy. I wasn't very surprised as I'd had the idea I was having a boy in my mind anyway. Just a coincidence or intuition? I was told to go for a half hour walk because the baby wouldn't turn meaning its spine couldn't be measured.

Half an hour later I went back to have another scan and luckily the baby had moved and the doctor got the measurements he needed to complete the scan.

It's amazing how much you can make out in the scan, you can even see the outline of a face including eyes, nose and mouth aswell as arms, hands fingers.

Beforehand I had been a bit worried that the baby wouldn't be big enough because I am a vegetarian but I always make sure I eat plenty of cheese, milk, cereals and eggs. I only have lentils and chickpeas about once a week.

In the end I was very pleased with the result of the scan and felt reassured that so far everything is going well.

Pregnancy and Clothing

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Tue, 02 May 2006 08:00:00 +0000

I've always enjoyed wearing fashionable clothes and taking care of my appearance so when I found out I was pregnant I was determined not to become a pregnant frump in oversized baggy clothing that looks like you're wearing a sack and makes you look twice as large.

Now I'm just starting my 21st week of pregnancy my bump is growing rapidy. I found that I could get away with wearing my normal clothes until about the 16th week.

In Spain there doesn't seem to be that much choice and what there is a bit pricey. So far I have only bought a few key garments that are specifically for pregnancy. I've bought a bikini and a skirt from a shop called Prenatal - a bit expensive at 115 euros for the two garments (but the bikini looks great).

Unfortunately there isn't a Corte Ingles where I live so my options are quite limited. As Zara clothes are quite small fitting anyway it isn't really an option for me (apart from bags and sandals!). And you need to be quite thin to fit into anything from Mango. The other shops that I've seen here selling maternity clothes are small expensive boutiques so I'll give them a miss.

Luckily while I was over in the UK for a weekend visit over a month ago I got some good stuff from Top Shop's maternity range. I managed to get a pair of decent jeans (with an expanding waistline), some black linen trousers and a wrap-around dress. I also got a top from Oasis one size up from my normal size. Top Shop have an online shopping service which includes their maternity range but only deliver within the UK so you need to have someone who will forward the parcels to Spain. If you live in Madrid or Barcelona you won't have this problem as there is a Top Shop in both cities.

Another useful item I got from Top Shop was something called a 'bump cover' which is a wide band made from t-shirt material designed to cover your bump so that you can wear tops that are a bit shorter (a good investment at just 5 pounds).

Pregnancy and weight

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 08:10:00 +0000

On the third visit to the obstetrician's, now 17 weeks pregnant, I was weighed and told that I had put on 5.5 kilos since my last visit.

I disagreed with the doctor telling her that I had weighed myself that morning and that it wasn't possible. She didn't listen to me and told me that I had to go on a diet straight away! I've read in my pregnancy books that you should never go on a diet when you're pregnant and secondly I felt fine and knew that their records weren't correct. I think I would notice whether I had gained that much or not. Also I think everyone's different. The previous month they had told me that I had lost a kilo (which was also inaccurate) but nothing was said about that and I wasn't asked whether I was following a healthy diet or eating enough.

Another thing is that everytime I am weighed I am fully clothed including shoes so I supose it depends on the weather that day as to what the results will be.

Since then I've been weighing myself at home and keeping a record so that I can monitor my weight gain. So far I seem to be within the correct levels, I've read that weight gain during the whole pregnancy is usually between 10 - 12 kilos.

I wonder what I'll weigh at my next appointment - I suppose it depends on whether I'm wearing summer clothes or winter clothes.

Amniocentesis or Screening

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 10:01:00 +0000

Now it was the time to decide whether to have the amnio test or not. I spoke to several people about this but none of them had done the test. My friends in the UK weren't offered the test even though they were over 35 when they were pregnant. From what I gathered the most usual thing in the UK is to be offered screening tests - the nuchal scan together with a blood test. The difference between a screeening test and a diagnostic test is that a screening test gives an idication whereas a diagnostic test (like amniocentesis) gives you exact results.

My partner spoke to a few of his work colleagues who had had the test. It seems much more common here. They hadn't had any problems but one person knew of a case where a woman had lost the baby afterwards.

In the end I made an appointment for the amniocentesis for two weeks time which would be week 16. However, I worried about it constantly. I didn't really want to do the test but my partner didn't really understand why I was so worried and I had decided to go ahead partly to please him. However I realised that if anything had gone wrong I would've probably blamed him.

In the end I had a blood screening test at a private clinic. Luckily I knew someone who had done this and they gave me the information of where to go. I had the test the same day that I called for an appointment and it cost 123 euros. All it was was a simple blood test. I also saw the clinic's obstretician beforehand.

I got the results 2 days later which came back low risk. It was quite a big relief and I cancelled my amniocentesis appointment. I knew it had been the right thing to do as deep down I had never really wanted to do the other test given the risks it carried, however low (about 1 in 100 women suffer problems or miscarriage as a result of have the amnio test).

My only advice I can give to anyone in a similar situation is to follow your gut instinct. That's what I did and I feel a lot better for it.

Second visit to the obstretrician

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 08:28:00 +0000

My partner and I had to wait over half an hour before we could see the doctor. Hope it's not so long next time.

First of all we discussed the results of my blood test and the scan. As far as the blood test was concerned everything was normal. However streptococcus B had been discovered in my urine sample. I was very worried about this as it can be very dangerous to the baby during a natural birth if the mother isn't give antibiotics as soon as labour starts. The doctor told me I would be tested again at the 36th week. I've thought about this since and wonder why I need to be tested again if the infection isn't going to be treated. I will ask about this at my next appointment. Oh yes and I was also told I didn't have aids. As no one had asked my consent for this test I was rather surprised as I think they ask you to sign a consent form in the UK.

The results of the scan were ok and the nuchal scan had come back normal. The doctor told me I had to decide whether to have the amniocentisis test or not. Again I asked about alternative methods of screening such as a blood test but she said that I would have to pay for that and anyway it wasn't very reliable. She didn't tell me how to go about getting it if I decided going for that option either. I asked her advice about the amniocentisis test but she gave me no counselling, advice or reassurance whatsoever.

I was weighed and then she tried to listen to the baby's heart beat but couldn't find it which was a bit disconcerting. Luckily I had read something about this in one of my pregnancy book and new that it was quite normal.

I came away from the appointment a bit disappointed with the feeling that my questions hadn't really been addressed. I hope it goes better next time. In the meantime I had to make up my mind about the amniocentisis. Something which posed a big dilemma for me and a lot of sleepless nights.

The First Scan

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:12:00 +0000

My appointment for the first scan was on a Friday afternoon at 4pm in the local health centre. The thing I was most nervous about was whether I was pregnant with twins or not as I knew that we were going to find out.

When we arrived the healthcentre was deserted, there were only a couple of cleaners there. Both my partner and myself thought it was a strange time for the appointment as normally all appointments are between 9am to 2pm. We went to the place where I was supposed to have the scan and there were about 5 couples sitting in a line in silence, all the women were at various stages of pregnancy. We took our place alongside the couples. The nurse came out of the room and took my form (called a volante in Spanish) then she disppeared again. Just 5 minutes later I was called in for the scan before all the others who had been waiting when we arrived.

I had to lie on a bed in a dimly lit room and the scanner was placed on my uterus. It felt very uncomfortable, which surprised me as I hadn't expected any discomfort. My partner sat next to me, both he and the scan operater had a good view of the screen meanwhile I couldn't see a thing! Immediately the foetus could be seen on the screen - as I was informed by my partner, who told me it was kicking and moving its arms about. The first thing the scan operater told me was that it was singular - I felt very relieved. He moved the screen a little so I could see it, but I still had to twist my neck in order to get a glimpse.

The scan lasted about 15 minutes because it was difficult for the scan operater to get a good view of the nuchal pad. Eventually he got the view he'd been looking for and told me it was normal.

At the end of the scan I was given a hand written report and a print out of 10 photos from the scan to take to the next appointment with the obstretrician.

First visit to the obstetrician in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 16:30:00 +0000

What to expect the first time you go to the obstretician when you are pregnant in Spain.

I was a bit nervous before my first appointment with the obstetrician or 'tocologo' as they're called in Spanish. I asked some English friends who have had children here what to expect. Their answers were a bit vague so I was none the clearer.

I woke up with a splitting headache that morning so decided to take just one paracetamol as my GP had told me this was ok when you're pregnant.

I met my partner at the health centre and it wasn't too long before we were called in. First of all I was asked the date of my last period. Then the doctor went through my medical history and that of my partner and made notes. She asked me how I was feeling and if I had any morning sickness, I mentioned that I had a headache and had taken a paracetamol. She said that I shouldn't have taken anything (contradicting the advice given by my GP).

The doctor also gave me a consent form for the amniocentesis test which is automatically offered to all women over the age over 35 here. I wasn't informed about any possible screening tests I could have as an alternative. I asked about whether I would be given the nuchal scan (this is when they look at the foetus's neck - it give's an indication of the possibility of Down's syndrome). She told me that this would be done during my first scan. Had I not asked about this I don't think I would've been informed. I asked whether this meant that the amniocentesis test wouldn't be necessary if the result came back as satisfactory, given that the amniocentesis test carries certain risks. Her reply wasn't very reassuring, she just said that it gave an indication that things were ok and that even if that was the case I would still be offered the test automatically due to my age (37).

The nurse took my blood pressure and then weighed me. Following that I had to have the physical examinations (something I wasn't looking forward to). Everything was fine up to now which was reassuring.

The doctor told me to make an appointment for my first scan and told me to make another appointment in a month's time and explained that I would be seeing her every month throughout my pregnancy.

I also had to make an appointment for a blood test. The appointment was made for 9.30am the following Tuesday. I was told that I could't drink or eat anything beforehand. When the day arrived I woke up starving. I had a small cup of tea and one small piece of toast with marmite. On arriving for the blood test I told the nurse what I had eaten and she told me that I couldn't have the blood test and was told to make another appointment! This time I made sure it was much earlier (it was made for 8.30am) and didn't eat a thing beforehand. I was told that I would find out the results at my next appointment with the obstetrician, unless there were any problems in which case they'd ring me.

My appointment for the first scan was in three weeks time.

Discovering I am pregnant in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes) — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 09:23:00 +0000

At 37 years old I was quite surprised and a little bewildered when I didn´t start my period. I´d only been trying to get pregnant for 1 month and had never expected to get pregnant so quickly. My partner thought that it was nerves so we waited a couple more weeks. By then I suspected that I could be pregant so decided it was time to do the pregnancy test.

Having always been very careful in the past I had never actually done a pregnancy test and didn´t even know what it was called in Spanish! In Spain you have to get a test kit from the chemist's and ask for a 'prueba de embarazo' which costs 12 euros. Then you have to wait til the following morning to do the test. Needless to say I had a sleepless night but when I did manage to sleep I dreamt that I had done the test and could very clearly see the two pink lines (which means positive).

As soon as it was morning I did the test and although it says you have to wait 5 minutes the lines appeared immediately. I went to tell my partner who was still asleep and we both looked at eachother both feeling a mixture of emotions shock, joy and also amazement. The next thing I did was to phone my family. The first person I spoke to was my middle sister whose reaction was to burst into sobs...a little disconcerting until she explained they were sobs of joy!

I made an appointment with my family doctor for the following day. That appointment was just a formality and all that happened was that I had to then go and make an appointment with the 'tocologo' (strange name) which means obstetrician in English. The doctor also advised me to only eat very well cooked meat. When I explained that I didn´t eat meat or fish either she was quite shocked and told me it was necessary for a balanced diet. I´ve been a vegetarian for 20 years now so her comments didn´t really worry me.

Luckily the tocologo in my health centre is a woman as in Spain you don´t get any choice of who you see and you just get the person who works in that health centre. That appointment was scheduled for 3 weeks time...