Confinement...not just for criminals

Dave and I went in for our first antenatal appointment at the Maternal and Child Health Care clinic today. Again, the HK public health system exceeded our expectations. We received prompt, friendly service from a team of nurses, staff and medical doctors. Yeah, the appointment lasted for 3.5 hours, but we left feeling confident and prepared for the coming months.

Rundown:
1. English language group briefing for first time patients. Distribution of literature pertaining to blood screening, classes, hospital procedures, etc.
2. Blood taking. The technician was fantastic. She asked all kinds of questions about us and, astonishingly, listened carefully and curiously to our answers. Oh yeah, all the while prepping vials of my precious A neg.
3. Nurse consultation. Another awesome experience. The nurse took a detailed health history, discussed our future screen options and explained the hospital procedures. Distribution of literature pertaining to delivery, antenatal exercise classes and breastfeeding.
4. Doctor exam. This was the quickest stop. The doctor double-checked medical history, did a basic physical exam to determine that my uterus hasn't jumped out of its resting spot and sent me on my way.
5. Scheduling of Down's Syndrome screening and Routine Scan (ultrasound). Distribution of more literature pertaining to antenatal classes. And the official letter:

There it is, in plain English, "She is pregnant." Apparently, the options are cryptically worded referral or astonishingly blunt form letter. I'm undecided which I prefer.

You can also note that my expected date of confinement is October 18, 2013. Of course, this may change after the ultrasound, but I'm really pleased with the initial estimate. The 18th holds special significance as my Grandpa Gary's birthday and this is a really special way to remember him. Fingers crossed that I'm in that 5% that actually delivers on her due date.