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29 March 2024

Pregnant women complain of long waiting lists

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

The moment a woman finds out that she is pregnant can be one of the happiest moments in her life, whether it is the first, second or fifth child. But as soon as those first moments of joy have settled in, a journey of finding the right gynaecologist starts, and this can prove to be quite stressful as not every doctor of preference is readily available.

Lisa Koser, a German expat living in Dubai is pregnant with her first. She opted for a private hospital, where she was familiar with the gynaecologist and which was conveniently located near her office. The first appointments passed and everything seemed to go according to schedule, until the third month.

“My doctor instructed me make an appointment for the early pregnancy test in week 10. This had to be done in the diagnostic centre. However, there was no availability for at least another month, so I was put on the waiting list.

“I did not make it through the waiting list, neither did I manage to get an appointment in the week after. At 13 weeks, I panicked, and started asking around about the timeframe I had. It turned out that not only was I late for this test, but I had reached the deadline for the next test as well, which determines whether the child has the Down syndrome. I was told I had to forget about both because it was too late now.”

Lisa was shocked by the way she was treated in the hospital, but soon found out that long waiting lists were not uncommon. Especially in the first trimester, pregnant women in Dubai find trouble having their first appointments scheduled on time.

“I had heard a lot about a specific doctor in a private hospital in Dubai, and finding the doctor of preference was very important to me, as you will rely on this doctor for 9 months or longer,” narrated Ritika Kapoor, an Indian resident who gave birth to a baby girl last year.

In this case, the popularity of the doctor worked against the new parent, as a long waiting list was presented. “The first appointment available was not in another two months.”

Although some doctors claim that the first appointment can be made as late as 3 months into pregnancy, many new mothers will find this time frame uncomfortable, as they see essential tests carried out during the first three months in other health care facilities.

One such test is the nuchal translucency (NT) scan, identifying the chances for chromosomal conditions like the Down syndrome. The test should ideally be carried out between 10-12 weeks and no later than 14 weeks, as the liquid that is gathered in the neck and indicates the risks will spread through the body after this period.

Further, most patients will be subjected to a couple of blood counts, determining whether the mother is at risk of rubella, toxoplasma, iron deficiency, HIV, or other conditions that could affect the development of the unborn child.

“It is because of such tests that I decided to see a doctor in another hospital until I could see the doctor of my preference,” said Ritika. “I was not happy with the prenatal visits in these first months, and I wish I could have done these tests at the hospital of my choice, but it was not possible.”

Similarly, the American Anna Smith has chosen for an alternative hospital while in the wait for the doctor of preference at a public hospital in Dubai.

“I have decided to deliver in a public hospital, and the prenatal care is in a healthcare clinic. But in this clinic, the first appointment is not scheduled any earlier than at 16 weeks of pregnancy. Then, you see a general practitioner who refers you to the gynaecologist, who is not available for the next 5 weeks. I will not see a gynaecologist there until I am at least 19 weeks,” said the mom-to-be.

“I am not happy where I am now. The hospital has made many mistakes that I find unacceptable. But I do not want to switch to another doctor for the 1 or 2 appointments that I might have before I can start at the healthcare clinic. I will just sit it out, I guess.”