Pregnancy Dos and Don'ts in Israel - Part I

from The Bird's Nest

If you haven't guessed by now, I live in Israel... and I'm pregneeto (that's going to be my superhero X-Men name). Being pregnant when you live so far away from your family is definitely not what I would call fun. Also, when you barely speak the language of the country you live in, being pregnant and asking for assistance can be hilarious and infuriating!

Here are my dos and don'ts for being pregnant in Israel:
Do find yourself a nice OBGYN whithin your health insurance (kupat cholim)... and get his or her private number. Then find a PRIVATE OBGYN. See your "free" OBGYN for general check ups - see your "private" OBGYN when you are concerned or need special care.

Do NOT assume your kupat cholim will pay for everything. They won't. Having a kid in Israel is JUST as expensive as having a kid in the U.S.

Do understand that everyone smokes but DO NOT think you have to put up with it. You have every right to ask the little shit sitting next to you in a cafe to put her cigarette out... just do it politely. If you don't ask her, you're only putting your own health at risk.

Do understand that your friends may not understand how taxing it is to be pregnant. People here treat pregnancy as if nothing has changed but your body is actually going through hell and sometimes you don't want to join friends for dinner/a late-night coffee/lunch/movie...etc. You're growing a child and your Israeli friends will have to deal with it.

Do NOT assume that people will be nicer to you because you're pregnant. It doesn't really happen here... even at the places it should - like the ultrasound testing center or your doctor's office. If it does, thank the person for being polite.

Do ask for help when you need it. Whether it's at your local SuperPharm and you're picking out prenatal vitamins or you're having a hard time getting off the bus - ask someone for help. Surprisingly, while not a polite group of people, Israelis are helpful and more polite when you actually ask for their assistance.

Do NOT allow the people who run your kupat cholim to hang up on you if you're trying to get an appointment somewhere. Being pregnant makes things a bit more time-sensitive so if you need an ultrasound and they tell you they can't help because they don't have appointments for the next three weeks, ask to be put on a waiting list. If you're hung up on, call back and feel free to rip the b*tch a new one.

Do understand what you're entitled to as far as maternity leave and your pregnancy rights. You get a lot of rights here but there's a chance your employer may not. Be up to date on what you get and don't get.

Do NOT let your bosses tell you what you're entitled to. Know your rights and insist on them.

So, that's the start of it... I'll post another installment later. Remember, being pregnant sucks sometimes and it's totally OK to feel like the Stay Puff'd Marshmallow Man on occasion. Your body is expanding and focusing on creating a new life... but that doesn't mean you can't feel sad and gross on occasion. Do allow yourself to feel what ever it is you're feeling and Do NOT let anyone tell you how they think you should be feeling.