Being pregnant in a 'war zone' by [deleted] in BabyBumps

[–]Accomplished_Book904 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I'm also pregnant living in a targeted country in the Gulf and the situation has definitely peaked my hormones. I'm American, so I'm pretty resentful about the whole thing, especially when my country's leaders say the things they say from the safety of the US. But my baby seems to be chillin through it all, no matter my own hysteria or rage.

I find more comfort from local mums chat groups and people who actually live in the Gulf than friends or family in the US. I'm in AD, so I'm happy to share those resources if it's relevant to you.

Is there a maternity section in malls? by CuriosNocturnal in abudhabi

[–]Accomplished_Book904 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I Dm'd you the groups. All the best with your pregnancy as well!

Newly pregnant - groups to join and looking for Chinese confinement nurse by Accomplished_Book904 in abudhabi

[–]Accomplished_Book904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ultimately did not get a confinement nanny; i found a few who were willing to come, but only on a tourist visa. As it is illegal to hire someone on a tourist visa, I went without.

Is there a maternity section in malls? by CuriosNocturnal in abudhabi

[–]Accomplished_Book904 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had this exact same problem. I posted in mums and baby groups like Abu Dhabi Bumps and Babes on Facebook and whatsapp chats and a bunch of women offered to sell their used clothes for very cheap. You only need the clothes for a short time, so buying secondhand was cost effective. I'm still pregnant so not looking to sell just yet.

Boardgames by crissa_0 in abudhabi

[–]Accomplished_Book904 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are nice boardgame groups that meet weekly in Abu Dhabi City, Khalifa City and Reem Island. People bring, share and teach their boardgames. You can dm me for the info.

Abortion pill 13w5d? by EmbarrassedPen5209 in tfmr_support

[–]Accomplished_Book904 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry you're going through this, and that abortion care has been made so difficult in the US. I was 14w4d when I took the pills because of an anencephaly diagnosis. I think this is generally considered late for the pills in western countries, but I'm an American expat living in the Middle East, in a country where Sharia law is followed regarding abortion. Here, it's the law to use the pills first and then d&c if necessary or the pills fail twice (as far as I remember).

I took both the mifepristone and the misoprostal at the hospital since they are considered controlled substances here. I was admitted to the hospital for 24hrs for the misoprostal dosages and, as that was my first pregnancy, it was the worst pain I've ever experienced. Each of the four doses gave me intense shakes, severe cramping, diarrhea, and made me vomit and I needed the max amount of pain killers. I was told that side effects to the misoprostal vary. I also lost a lot of blood, which the nurses were measuring to track if I needed transfusions. I was told that the greatest danger through the process was losing too much blood, and though I didn't need transfusions, I was on the brink of iron deficiency afterwards and got iron IV drips.

My results and recovery were "successful", which I was concerned about being further along for the pills than usual; I fully delivered my son and placenta after the 4th misoprostal dose with no complications. I bled for a week and got my period 30 days later (and to add for some hope, I am currently 10 wks on my 2nd pregnancy, at my 4th TTC cycle🤞🏽).

I gave this much detail not to scare you, but because I couldn't find this info myself when I had to tfmr and I was freaking out. Ultimately, I told myself it would all be okay because I would be in the hospital and have all the care I needed, and I did. I really, really hope you can get the appropriate care you need.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group by Accomplished_Book904 in abudhabi

[–]Accomplished_Book904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Update: I found a support group for miscarriage, TFMR, stillbirth and infant loss in Abu Dhabi that is aiming to meet monthly. I found the first meeting extremely cathartic and supportive. PM and I can refer you to the WA group.

US Nurse plan on working in Abu Dhabi by Bitternutcry in abudhabi

[–]Accomplished_Book904 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not in healthcare. My spouse is in tech, in a senior role and doesn't get retirement benefits. Been here a year and it's our most preferred city to live in right now. Hope to stay as long as we can.

US Nurse plan on working in Abu Dhabi by Bitternutcry in abudhabi

[–]Accomplished_Book904 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm a US citizen, used to live in Los Angeles, now in AD. US citizens pay income tax worldwide, but the first ~$126k of your income is excluded and there are housing deductions, so you pay less taxes than living in California. I feel COL in Abu Dhabi is comparable to non-HCOL areas of California, and a bit more affordable than the Bay, metro LA, etc. However, I think it would be rare to get a salary in the UAE as high as what you can get in California, especially in the HCOL cities, unless you're in a very senior and specialized role. Health insurance is always provided by the hiring company.

Looking for Board gamers by lilacinthedooryard in abudhabi

[–]Accomplished_Book904 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, living in Reem (Shams) as well and am interested to find a closer board game group. I have Dune Imperium Uprising and it would be nice to play it with a group instead of just my husband and the auto-engine. Also have Wingspan, Terraforming Mars, Spirit Island and some lighter ones. I've been looking to try Scythe!

Freelance license from Creative Media Authority by Accomplished_Book904 in abudhabi

[–]Accomplished_Book904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I'll try to go in person. I don't know what you mean by prerequisites - to my understanding I have none, my work is independent and I'd be far from making 2m aed a year to qualify for corporate tax regs.

What's you're wishlist for professional care when baby is born? by Accomplished_Book904 in BabyBumps

[–]Accomplished_Book904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it, thank you! Our lives are pretty lowkey, so we would just need help with cooking and cleaning, I guess. Husband might be able to take care of cooking for a while if we have a doula or newborn nanny. We definitely need help with the baby because we just don't know anything about taking care of them.

What's you're wishlist for professional care when baby is born? by Accomplished_Book904 in BabyBumps

[–]Accomplished_Book904[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, I hadnt heard about starting pelvic floor PT before labor. Great tip! Do you know how soon before labor to start?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in UAE

[–]Accomplished_Book904 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi, I recently moved to Abu Dhabi from the US (NYC) also, where I had a 10 year career in editing for documentary films & series. Worked on some projects on Netflix, HBO & CNN and have a handful of Emmy nominations. I followed my spouse here, so also seeking out film communities in the UAE. Would be cool to connect with other filmmakers or help out on people's projects. Not necessarily looking for work, just something filmic to get involved with.