Hi everybody,
I'm just new here in Antwerp. We're planning to have a baby soon. I have no idea about doctors, hospitals and conditions here. Its going to be my first baby and I'm pretty scared of giving birth. And, no need to say..I don't know anybody here..
Does anybody have an idea about:
- Which is the best hospital in Antwerp (new, modern, well equipped for birth, etc)?
- How can I find a good doctor (any suggestions)?
- Any advices ?
I'd like to see the specialist before I'm pregnant and I just don't want to pick up one from the a-z listings.
Thanks a lot in advance...
Full Version: Giving birth in Antwerp
oh God..this is really encouraging..
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(
roget, I've little experience with ob/gyns (I'm male and my son was born quite a while ago) but from memory, it's usual to get pregnant before you think about seeing the obstetrician.
In your post, you suggested you aren't even pregnant yet ... <img src="../images/emoticons/ywink.gif">
It *is* possible to plan too far ahead.
As far as healthcare in Belgium goes, it's generally reckoned to be pretty good. Belgians have been having babies for years and years and they don't seem to have any major problems.
Perhaps if put your question when you know in which year the baby will be born, people will rush to answer it ...
At the moment, it does seem a little premature. Life in Flanders is perhaps a little more rushed than in Wallonia, but AFAIK, the gestation period is srill 9 months in Antwerp and people up there don't get pregnant every time they have intercourse.
In your post, you suggested you aren't even pregnant yet ... <img src="../images/emoticons/ywink.gif">
It *is* possible to plan too far ahead.
As far as healthcare in Belgium goes, it's generally reckoned to be pretty good. Belgians have been having babies for years and years and they don't seem to have any major problems.
Perhaps if put your question when you know in which year the baby will be born, people will rush to answer it ...
At the moment, it does seem a little premature. Life in Flanders is perhaps a little more rushed than in Wallonia, but AFAIK, the gestation period is srill 9 months in Antwerp and people up there don't get pregnant every time they have intercourse.
Roget, there are a couple of people who have had/will be having babies here, but unfortunately they're not regular posters - you may have to wait a little while till they see your post, so be patient! I'm sure one of them will be along in the not too distant future.
LNa? Babyjez? Izakop?
LNa? Babyjez? Izakop?
Roget, I'm afraid I can't be of any help either. Done having babies and am not in Belgium. But I wish you well, and if we ever get Lna and Babyjez back I'm sure they could answer some of your questions! I think it's great that you are planning in advance--it must be scary to be having your first child in a new place where you're not familiar with the process. Good luck!
Your GP could probably point you in the right direction. Get a couple of names, arrange an appointment to see one, and if you don't hit it off try another. It's better to feel comfortable with your gyn before getting to a stage in your pregnancy where you can't change Drs. Lucky living in this part of Belgium, you should find that Drs have a good knowledge of English.
Another source of information could be MOMS (Mothers offering moral support), an English speaking mother and baby group based in and around Antwerp. They can be contacted on <a href="mailto:moms@antwerpbritishwomen.org" Target="_BLANK">moms@antwerpbritishwomen.org</a>; the ABW has just had its last meeting until September so I don't know if you would have to wait some time before receiving a reply. I'm at the grandmother stage, but know of babies born at these hospitals - AZ Sint-Augustinus in Wilrijk, and St. Vincentiusziekenhuis near the Belgielei in Antwerp. Other well respected hospitals are AZ Antwerpen which is, in fact, in Edegem, AZ Jan Palfijan and AZ Klina to name just a few.
Another source of information could be MOMS (Mothers offering moral support), an English speaking mother and baby group based in and around Antwerp. They can be contacted on <a href="mailto:moms@antwerpbritishwomen.org" Target="_BLANK">moms@antwerpbritishwomen.org</a>; the ABW has just had its last meeting until September so I don't know if you would have to wait some time before receiving a reply. I'm at the grandmother stage, but know of babies born at these hospitals - AZ Sint-Augustinus in Wilrijk, and St. Vincentiusziekenhuis near the Belgielei in Antwerp. Other well respected hospitals are AZ Antwerpen which is, in fact, in Edegem, AZ Jan Palfijan and AZ Klina to name just a few.
Thank you all, Camilla, Surfer, Raquel2 and pwinder.
Well, yes, I shall be pregnant first but I'm just too nerveous about the whole birth-giving thing. First of all I'll get a GP and ask him/her his opinion. Its just such a mess here after moving in that I couldn't put myself toghether to go out and look for one.
Just thank you guys and hope see you around!
Well, yes, I shall be pregnant first but I'm just too nerveous about the whole birth-giving thing. First of all I'll get a GP and ask him/her his opinion. Its just such a mess here after moving in that I couldn't put myself toghether to go out and look for one.
Just thank you guys and hope see you around!
Quote:
...Its just such a mess here after moving in that I couldn't put myself toghether to go out and look for one.
Just thank you guys and hope see you around!
************************************
Stay around on the forums, Roget. There will probably be a number of questions which arise as you settle in and from my experience, this is a good place to get practical help and shortcuts which will help you through - or at least prepare you for - some of the problems life in Belgium can throw at you.
Paul
...Its just such a mess here after moving in that I couldn't put myself toghether to go out and look for one.
Just thank you guys and hope see you around!
************************************
Stay around on the forums, Roget. There will probably be a number of questions which arise as you settle in and from my experience, this is a good place to get practical help and shortcuts which will help you through - or at least prepare you for - some of the problems life in Belgium can throw at you.
Paul
Roget, tell us about yourself--where you've moved from, what brings you to Belgium, how you're liking it, etc... It's good to meet you!
Hi roget,
This is mamajez (a.k.a. babyjez)
go to your local GP for referrals to reputable gynae/obsts.
or pop into the university hosp in Antwerp for an appt. (Leuven has a reputable uni hosp and a reknown maternity wing)
It is scary having a baby in a foreign country but if you plan well and do your homework, you'll breeze through.
My precious bud is 4 mths old now (born in Brussels Edith Cavell Hosp - superb nursing staff) and I am fully recovered from the pregnancy.
With hubby travelling all the time, we had plan B and plan C for contingency. It is also comforting to know that Brussels offers excellent emergency services (just in case)
The internet offers a wealth of information regarding pregnancy and post-baby management.
This is mamajez (a.k.a. babyjez)
go to your local GP for referrals to reputable gynae/obsts.
or pop into the university hosp in Antwerp for an appt. (Leuven has a reputable uni hosp and a reknown maternity wing)
It is scary having a baby in a foreign country but if you plan well and do your homework, you'll breeze through.
My precious bud is 4 mths old now (born in Brussels Edith Cavell Hosp - superb nursing staff) and I am fully recovered from the pregnancy.
With hubby travelling all the time, we had plan B and plan C for contingency. It is also comforting to know that Brussels offers excellent emergency services (just in case)
The internet offers a wealth of information regarding pregnancy and post-baby management.
the first trimester was hell - I couldnt eat and was sick all the time. Slept alot too.
the 2nd trimester was the best - I ate well and went home for Xmas hols. They weren't kidding when the said I was glowing and blooming big!
the 3rd trimester - the waiting is the worst part. And this is also the time where extra care has to be given to health and diet. I kept my mind busy writing and kept fit cleaning the house repeatedly (nothing heavy of course)
My contractions started 3 days after my due date. Sort of like a bad period twinge that won't settle and gets progressively worst. The epidural was WONDERFUL! I had complication giving birth (baby was suctioned out and tore my innards alittle. I had surgery that put me right.
the 2nd trimester was the best - I ate well and went home for Xmas hols. They weren't kidding when the said I was glowing and blooming big!
the 3rd trimester - the waiting is the worst part. And this is also the time where extra care has to be given to health and diet. I kept my mind busy writing and kept fit cleaning the house repeatedly (nothing heavy of course)
My contractions started 3 days after my due date. Sort of like a bad period twinge that won't settle and gets progressively worst. The epidural was WONDERFUL! I had complication giving birth (baby was suctioned out and tore my innards alittle. I had surgery that put me right.
Mamajez! It's great to hear from you after so long. Glad you're doing great. I'll bet Michelle is adorable at this stage. Any new pics?
Yeah, Mamajez! Lovely to see you around again. I'll second the call for baby photos <img src="../images/emoticons/ybigrin.gif">
Hi ladies,
new pic is on the kenkew site.
If you can't get in Raquel, holler at Kew!
new pic is on the kenkew site.
If you can't get in Raquel, holler at Kew!
Awwwww she's gorgeous!! She has beautiful eyes <img src="../images/emoticons/ybigrin.gif">
For any expats in Flanders :
Kind en Gezin is a (Flemish) government agency dealing with pregnancies, births, child care, etc. basically anything from family planning to 12-yr olds !
English pages :
<a href="http://www.kindengezin.be/KG/English_pages/default.jsp" Target="_BLANK">http://www.kindengezin.be/KG/English_pages...ault.jsp</a>
but these offer very little information
Adresses of prenatal consulting :
<a href="http://www.kindengezin.be/KG/Adressen_en_routebeschrijving/Prenatale_consultatiebureau_s.jsp" Target="_BLANK">http://www.kindengezin.be/KG/Adressen_en_r...au_s.jsp</a>
Kind en Gezin is a (Flemish) government agency dealing with pregnancies, births, child care, etc. basically anything from family planning to 12-yr olds !
English pages :
<a href="http://www.kindengezin.be/KG/English_pages/default.jsp" Target="_BLANK">http://www.kindengezin.be/KG/English_pages...ault.jsp</a>
but these offer very little information
Adresses of prenatal consulting :
<a href="http://www.kindengezin.be/KG/Adressen_en_routebeschrijving/Prenatale_consultatiebureau_s.jsp" Target="_BLANK">http://www.kindengezin.be/KG/Adressen_en_r...au_s.jsp</a>
Dear All
This is Chandra and i m moving in to antwerp by May'05, with my wife, who is carrying (3 months now). Pls. advise me on Maternity Insurance that i should cover her with to go thro' the maternity care at antwerp and other related expenses till she give birth.
Krgds
chandra
This is Chandra and i m moving in to antwerp by May'05, with my wife, who is carrying (3 months now). Pls. advise me on Maternity Insurance that i should cover her with to go thro' the maternity care at antwerp and other related expenses till she give birth.
Krgds
chandra
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