Tips for Pregnant Expats
• Finding a Doctor
Ask your friends or colleagues to refer you to a good gynecologist. Going through a common contact like a friend, colleague or relative will help you start with a good rapport with the doctor. In addition, you can be sure of a certain level of service and attention as someone you know can give a firsthand account and recommend it.
If the company or organization that you/your spouse work with has an in-house physician, that is a good place to begin looking for quality medical care. Many company physicians may have a private practice or would be happy to refer you to some of their peers.
If you are looking for a doctor who speaks English, be sure to spell that out clearly to anyone you approach for a reference. Language could either be a bridge or a barrier to procuring good medical attention, which is why you should be specific.
• Carry your prescriptions and medical history
Your doctor in a new country will most certainly require information about your medical history so be sure to carry all your record and latest prescriptions together with a list of ailments and allergies to facilitate further diagnosis and treatment.
• In Case of an Emergency
Keep a list of people (phone numbers included!) who can be contacted in an emergency together with the numbers of emergency services in your city with you at all times. Save the telephone numbers of your partner/spouse, doctor and hospital in your mobile as ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers.
• Hospitals
The quality of healthcare available in your new country could be very different from what is available in your home country. Asking your friends and colleagues to refer a good hospital is a good idea but always visit the hospital to check out the facilities for yourself. Some countries have very good government hospitals and maternity care of good quality. Choose a hospital that is easy to reach in case of an emergency because emergency services in all countries are not very reliable and efficient.
• Health Insurance
Investing in health insurance will help you deal with the expenses of your visits to the doctor, hospital stay and maternity care better.
• Help Around the House
If you can afford it getting household help, particularly in the later stages of your pregnancy, it can help you relax and focus on your own needs instead of worrying about how to run the house. You could consider having your parents/in-laws come and stay with you to help you for a few months before and after your delivery.
• Eat Healthy
Eat regularly and on time. No matter how busy you are don’t skip meals. Pack a quick bite…a brown bread sandwich or burger with a bottle of fresh fruit juice whenever you leave home. Cook healthy by grilling or baking food instead of deep frying it; find healthy cooking alternatives for traditional and contemporary food and keep off saturated fats, red meat, and especially many varieties of fish. Avoid smoking, alcohol and caffeine.



