Third Trimester

This pregnancy has felt as if it's been forever. Not sure if it's corona related, the heat or just timing. Short sleeves are a must given the heat. In any case, a couple observations in Israel with the third trimester of pregnancy.

After being cleared to not having gestational diabetes (but a weird occasional craving for the drink here - - again, it's a glucose powder that when adding lemon and the water is cold, it tastes like lemonade on steroids) it was discovered that I'm anemic. Whereas in the states this was ignored and recommended to just take an iron supplement, in Israel iron IV transfusions are offered. This seems to also be one of those things that is different in the health system. In any case, so far I've rejected the treatment and waiting to see if supplements and a dietary change works.

When the third trimester begins, one more ultrasound is performed. This checks for birth weight and growth. Routine weight checks, urine strip and blood pressure continues. The only other interesting thing is the test for GBS. Many women perform this on their own as doctors, especially male ones are hands off. My doctor offered to do it for me, which I allowed since otherwise I wouldn't know what to do. Thankfully that was negative. 

Three ish more weeks to go. Hoping the birthing experience is uneventful, quick and overall not too much of a shock as they say with the differences giving birth in the United States vs Israel. 

PS - no free formula samples in the mail or offices as had in the past. Always was interesting to wonder how the companies knew I was pregnant. 

For the hospital bag, for the first time ever I actually had to pack:

*Thermal heating pads (Amazon)
Numbing cream (prescription)
Mesh underwear (Amazon) 
Peri bottle (Amazon) 
Tucks (Amazon) 
Separate maternity pads (Amazon) 
Files of pregnancy 
Baby outfit 
Postpartum pants 
Baby wipes
**Mini bottle shampoo and conditioner 

Couldn't ship from usa the ice pack pads. 

* Thermal chemical pads do not exist in Israel. It's warm here with very brief winters. Israelis that I asked about where to find it had no idea what I was talking about. Thank goodness Amazon ships direct. 

** For some reason unlike CVS pharmacy, it's as if this country doesn't understand or appreciate travel size items. After checking 8 stores, I found reusable ones at a random store called Wow. 

This list is more or less items that I know worked for me in the past and was warned that either women don't receive it here or that they are קמצנים, as said in Hebrew. Since I hope to be at Baby Assaf, it'll be interesting if this is true. 


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