First Dr. Visit

We've been home for 3 days now (arrived in Istanbul on Saturday) and we went to see my "female doctor" this afternoon.  (Here they don't differentiate between obstetricians and gynecologists.  Any physician who handles the care of women's reproductive organs is a "kadin hastane" doctor, or literally "female sickness" doctor, although our doctor is also classified as a "dogum uzmani," or birth specialist.)  I am accustomed to the care model of the US, so I was a little unsure of what to expect.  She didn't do any urinalysis, but went straight to the ultrasound machine.  According to the US dates, I am 10 weeks and 4-5 days into this pregnancy, although we could've sworn it was a bit further along than that.  No doppler or fetoscope, although I suppose you don't really need that when you can see the heart beating on the US.  She did take my blood pressure and weight, but I'm a bit concerned that she didn't test for sugar/protein/nitrates in my urine.  I didn't ask, because I realize that it's a bit too soon to worry about PIH/preeclampsia at this point.  However, she did want me to have blood drawn for anemia panel, glucose, blood type, rubella immunity status, etc.  I told her that I'm not anemic (but will let her know if I develop symptoms), blood type is O+ (no worry about Rh incompatibility), have an Accucheck at home, and am Rubella immune.  She recommended several other tests as well: nuchal cord rigidity, amniocentesis, and monthly US based on my age (35).  It took both me and my husband to explain it to her that since termination of the pregnancy is not an option, the results of those tests have no value for us.  She is very used to people who want every little last bit of technology applied to feel like they are getting their money's worth, so she doesn't know what to make of me.  :-)  According to the US, the placenta is not located near the cervix and now that we have a better idea of gestational age, I don't feel the need for another US.  We'll tackle that subject at the next visit.

We are still trying to talk to her about homebirth, and she is still swearing up and down that she can "promise" me a natural birth in the hospital.  (Sorry, but a natural birth in the hospital makes about as much sense as "military intelligence" and "jumbo shrimp.")  I asked her if she would be interested in attending the birth, even if we found a midwife who was willing to attend us at home, but she says that she doesn't want the responsibility.  I told her that the responsibility for this birth is mine and my husband's, no one else's.