I was depressed after the horrendous visit to the Chinese obstetrician and did not look forward to the next visit. Since Hubby was too busy to take off from work, I went alone. It was OK since I could take a taxi there.
China follows the US system of specialization i.e. the ultrasound scan is done by a technician and the results are then given to the obstetrician for the diagnosis and consultation.
When I submitted my appointment card, the nurse told me:
“Go drink water until your bladder’s really full.”
I replied, “I’ve already drunk some water.”
“Is your bladder very full? Go drink water until your bladder’s really full.”
I repeated, “I’ve already drunk some water.”
She gave up and walked off. Another nurse came.
“Go drink water until your bladder’s really full.”
I gave up! I told her OK, I’ll go drink water and come back. And so I went to buy a bottle of water…
Luckily I had Matilda by Roald Dahl with me as there were 8 ladies ahead.
A funny episode when it came to my turn because I was on the phone with my weekly cleaner telling her I can’t make it back in time.
When I hung up, it was just in time to hear the nurse calling,
“Foreigner! Foreigner!” (wai guo ren xxx?)
and EVERYONE in the waiting room pointed at me 
Yup, I am a nameless person in China.
The ultrasound scan lady was really nice and apologized for the horribly labeled “foreigner” on my medical booklet. She assured me that my name will be on the ultrasound scan – I saw it although my first name was wrongly spelled. Oh well, I’m very sure nobody else has that name!
I asked if she could turn the screen towards me and she obliged. Although it’s my second pregnancy, I felt ON TOP OF THE WORLD when she announced finding a heartbeat and I saw it myself
I was a little teary-eyed (must be the hormones because I am NOT a weepy person) but the technician smiled and said that I must be very happy. I said yes. She did a thorough scan and then asked me to wait outside.
Later, I got a LaserJet print-out of the scan and went to see the “English-speaking” obstetrician.
Hahaha…I’m definitely not coming to this hospital because here’s what the obstetrician said,
“Your baby is 2.1 cm. You are 9 weeks pregnant. All OK.”
And after flashing me a brilliant smile, I was shown the door!
I was flabbergasted but after checking with a lady waiting outside, the check-ups here for the first trimester are like that. No blood-pressure check. No height or weight taken. Nothing
In any case, I’m just happy because I am having a normal ultrasound scan compared to the emergency one we had for our first child.
Until my next appointment in 4 weeks’ time, I’m thinking of home improvements we’ve got ahead!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
hmm….didnt sound like a good hospital. Hope you can find a better hospital for the next check-up.
Malaika’s Mummy – Yup, it’s definitely not a good hospital for ob-gyn services. Looking forward to the other one my friends recommended.
i cant stop laughing at your “foreigner” name! haha..
so fast another check? thot i just read your other post. ok, at least you had your elated moment and poor you, hubby shld be there with u.
i’m guessing tht there will be more ‘shocking’ posts from u on your future checkups there till u come back here for your delivery.
anyway, i’m happy for you tht you got to see the heartbeat n definitely anti-climax for u after tht when u got shown the door. btw, i was also told to drink water in my early months with hayeli although not many times like u.
Hui Sia – I think you can imagine what the scenario’s like, right? (rolls eyes)
Syn – I had to see another doc coz the appointments for the ultra-sound were fully booked the other day.
Noooo…I definitely hope no more ‘shocking’ posts. I just want a normal check-up
I was alright on my own since the shock was on Mon and thank God he was with me then!
Kitty, good to hear that everything is confirm and alright now
Geez, the healthcare system over there is very different. Btw, when are you going back to Penang? I’m assuming you’re going back to give birth, kan?
Great to hear everything is fine….
Not a very good thing to give birth in China for sure! Can’t wait for you to be back here!!!
oh, i know what u mean about the heartbeat! It is so amazing that something so tiny can bring us such immeasurable joy huh? *hugs* So happy for you!
so rude of her to call u wai guo ren. happy leh when u heard the heartbeat. me too very emotional one, thats why we had the same problem..haha
take care n rest well
Chinnee – Me too
Vien – I’m hoping the next hospital I go to is more along what our hospitals. We’ll back for summer…
Angeleyes – Hahaha, a lot of people tell me if 1.3 billion Chinese survived, so can I
But I’m too scaredy cat esp as I hear they tend to encourage 100% natural births.
Giddy Tigress – You took the words right out of my mouth
Wen – I should post my medical booklet with the “foreigner’s name” printed on it LOL “We” must learn to relax and let go