Topic Archive: epidural

December 21, 2011

Pregnancy Care and Birthing Options – US versus UK

We are an international family – I’m German, my husband is American and we currently live in England! I gave birth to my first two children in a suburban Chicago hospital and now we are expecting again! As my pregnancy progresses, I am amazed by the difference in care and options between the US and the UK!

Since PregTASTIC is gaining more and more international followers, I thought it would be interesting to share some of my observations!

Babies are born all over the world and while it is obvious that pregnancy and birth in Somalia will differ very much from the US or India, we expect the Western world to have comparable standards of care. While the US and the UK share a language (well, sort of…) and Western health care standards, the one big difference between the two is that the UK has a National Health System (NHS)!

This means that expecting mothers will not pay anything out of pocket for their pregnancy care – including blood tests, ultrasounds, amniocentesis etc – or their birth (including all anesthesia, the hospital stay etc). In addition they get free prescriptions for the duration of their pregnancy as well as free dental work until the baby is 1 year old. In the US most people are insured through a plan at work or privately. Regular co-pays are the norm and while most doctors do not charge every time you come for a pregnancy check-up, you certainly get a bill for an amino or the hospital stay. Depending on you insurance plan, the birth of your baby can cost you as much as a month of groceries to a semester of college! (more…)

Episode 243 | December 6, 2011

Michelle’s Birth Story

PregTASTIC Panelist Michelle is back to share her birth story. Did she get an epidural or go med-free as she fantasized about? What was the one question she never expected the nurses to ask? And what does grilled cheese have to do with any of it? Plus, how milk allergies (more…)

Episode 227 | July 26, 2011

Pain Relief: Helping You Through Childbirth

Whether you’re planning to go natural or you prefer the medicinal route, we have some great pain relief options to help you throughout your labor and delivery. What are some simple ways to change up your room to make it more relaxing? What positions seem to (more…)

Episode 218 | May 17, 2011

C-Section Secrets: The Truth About Delivery and Recovery

C-section deliveries are on the rise, so it’s best to be prepared before your big day. Today we’re exploring the top c-section secrets! What does the surgery feel like? What can and can’t you do in the operating room? And what can you do to reduce the dreaded (more…)

Episode 216 | April 26, 2011

Heather’s Twin Birth Story

PregTASTIC Panelist Heather is back to share the birth story of two beautiful twin girls. Learn more about her planned c-section. Would she do it all over again? What’s a cervical cerclage and how does it impact (more…)