Forget nameless sonographers, various different health visitors, and a troupe of midwives when your baby finally makes an appearance UK-style, as having a baby in Dubai means you get to pick a FABULOUS OB/GYN to see you throughout all of your pregnancy – and the birth itself, of course.

Apart from qualifying academically, getting married and some of the other major milestones in life, pregnancy and childbirth are some of the most exciting times you’ll EVER experience – but we know that where to start with choosing your OB/ GYN can be pretty daunting too!

Mediclinic Welcare Hospital and Mediclinic Deira, are both owned by Medlicnic Middle East and are part of the top ten largest listed private hospital groups in the world! These two highly-regarded organisations are known for ensuring that the incredible journey you’re about to embark upon, is just as enjoyable for you as it should be. Here’s why…

Building a strong relationship with your OB/GYN

All mothers-to-be need to be carefully monitored throughout their pregnancies, making this physiological change as natural as it possibly could be. You shouldn’t feel that you’re being silly having concerns or asking a ton of questions, so it’s good to know that in the event that there is any problem, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital and Mediclinic Deira’s ultra-experienced team of OB/GYN’s, Consultant Dr. Maryam Pezeshki, and Specialist OBGYN Sujata Warhekar, can be on the other end of the phone for you.

In fact, you’ll get to see your lovely OB/GYN at one of these high-tech clinics so many times as your bump grows bigger and bigger, that she will start to feel like a family member! And when the day comes that you have to say goodbye, you’ll have to be dragged away kicking and screaming – but never mind; there’s always your annual gynae appointments to look forward to  – because this relationship is priceless.

Dr. Maryam Pezeshki Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologist UK Board Certified

Dr. Sujata Warhekar
Specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecologist

Promoting natural births

These personable and friendly Doctors who are mothers themselves, are well aware of the public misconception that choosing a Caesarean section will prevent future problems with the pelvic floor. In fact, in a place where Caesarean births seem to be on the increase, it’s a relief to hear that they’re ALL for natural birthing.

Evidence shows that both pregnancy, (and especially childbirth,) puts so much pressure on our pelvic floor, that it can cause some problems including prolapse or incontinence. However, given that a natural vaginal birth is by far the safest way to deliver for both mum and baby, a natural birth is exactly what these OB/GYN’s promote.

All too often we hear of births that didn’t turn out quite the way the mother planned, but based on the Royal
College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommendations, Caesareans should only be performed for medical reasons. However, there are of course reasons for Caesarean births, and sometimes maternal wishes and feelings are of equal importance and so it’s therefore vital that you don’t feel pushed into a decision but that your Doctor and you agree together what the best mode of delivery is for you.

Strengthening your pelvic floor

It’s normal that during your pregnancy, you may feel you need to go to the toilet more often and occasionally lose control of your urine (or even the other end!) But don’t think you’re alone if you experience this – as it’s due to the pressure of the pregnant uterus on the pelvic floor.

In fact, it’s far more common in women who have had previous births before compared to first-time mothers but there are two types of urinary incontinence that you should be aware of.

The most common is called urinary stress incontinence, which is when you experience leaking urine with activities such as coughing, sneezing, exercising or heavy lifting, (which is why you don’t see too many mums jumping on trampolines!) The other type is an overactive bladder when you have symptoms of urgent urinating, a frequent need to go to the toilet and leaking urine before you can reach the loo. If you develop these symptoms, the first thing you should do is see your OB/GYN to rule out any urinary tract infection. It’s also important to note that these symptoms are not always a sign of infection or pelvic floor weakness.

Exercising and weight gain

You may be asking yourself what you can do to minimise the impact on your pelvic floor though, and the answer is to keep yourself fit and active! You can avoid excessive weight gain by obviously eating healthily alongside light exercise and walking, but don’t worry too much as weight gain is normal! Weight gain ratios are determined for each woman based upon their build and ethnicity, however, for the average British mum, a range of around 15-35 pounds (between a stone and 2.5 stones) is considered to be ideal.

If you’re already overweight before your pregnancy though, your ideal weight gain should be less, and if you do gain more than the average weights above, then aside from a possible lack of exercise or the wrong diet, it’s important to rule out pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.

After delivery, you may also feel more of the problems of urinary symptoms and pelvic floor relaxation, just for a temporary period, (which is normally somewhere between three and six months). If the problem persists though, it’s time to seek help from your OB/GYN and you can learn and practice pelvic floor exercises and do them regularly during your pregnancy and after the childbirth to help your pelvic floor.

With all this advice, it’s time to start planning and there’s no better place to start! If you’d like to chat with the lovely OB/GYN  Doctors at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital in Al Garhoud, make an appointment on 042827788 or you can contact Mediclinic Deira next to the Pullman Hotel in Deira City Centre on 046055999. Good luck – and enjoy your pregnancy!

Read more:

Having a baby in Dubai and how it differs from the UK

Mind the Bump: Pregnancy tips for safe pampering

What does pregnancy mean for your hair?

Must know facts for traveling from the UAE with your baby

How to look good and feel good after having your baby

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