I've decided this will probably be an ongoing series of posts over the next 6 1/2 months. Since my last pregnancy and delivery was in the U.S., it's already been interesting here in Brazil to see the differences in health care and such. I'm sure I'll have plenty to write about as the pregnancy progresses.
One huge blessing is that my Dr. speaks English fairly well, which was a big relief. As soon as I walked in, she started speaking to me in English and that has put me a bit more at ease. Renato will still come with me to all my appointments, but I feel a lot better knowing she can understand me and I can understand her. Praise God!
Another huge blessing is that we have really good insurance. They even have their own hospital, and the whole delivery and hospital stay is covered 100%. Praise God!
One main difference I've noticed is that in the U.S., my Dr.'s office was a one-stop-shop for everything I needed when I was pregnant. I got all my tests done in the same building, my ultrasounds, everything, so it was very convenient. It's not like that at ALL here. I had to get blood work done and a urine test. I thought at least they'd do the urine test in the Dr.'s office, but no such luck. We had to go to a separate place to get all the tests, and man did they take a LOT of blood. I felt like I was giving blood! Then they tell you when the tests are done, because YOU have to pick up the results and then take them with you to your next appointment. This was all a bit odd for me, but it worked out ok.
At 12 weeks I have my first ultrasound, which is always very exciting. :) I knew this probably wouldn't be at the Dr.'s office, so I was expecting that. But I wasn't expecting to have to take the order form from the Dr. to the insurance office to get it ok'ed first, before we could get the ultrasound done. And I'm sure we'll have to pick up the results and deliver them again.
It's all a bit much for me, especially in the U.S. when everything is very convenient. Thank goodness we don't work daytime jobs. I have no idea how people who work full-time here do any of their appointments.
Next time I'll write a little about my Dr.'s visits and the differences there. Thank God the pregnancy is going well (even though this time around I've had a little nausea, yuck!), and as I said before, I'm sure as time goes by, I'll have even more brazilian pregnancy stories to tell you about. :)
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2 comments:
The whole difference in health care between countries is interesting. Since I have never had a baby in US, I guess I cannot have an opinion. However, my expereince in Germany has been so positive I would like to have any future kids here too. Too bad I didn't blog back then. It will be interesting to read your story.
That is interesting. I am looking forward to hearing more stories at the time goes by. I am sure the the people in Brazil just get more "doctor time" alloted to the them at their job since they know it is a process. :o)
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