Do people even have babies in Africa?

Fact: I live in Africa. Fact: I’m pregnant. The time has come to ponder and answer this vital question:

Can people even have babies in Africa?

You can imagine how relieved I am that the answer is...yes :) 

I’ve never had a baby domestically so having one abroad doesn’t actually seem as complicated as it might to a seasoned American mother, I’m sure. I relied heavily at first on locals to tell me what doctor to use and to give me tips like being careful to only seek out a doctor who wouldn’t require me to schedule a non-emergency C-section two weeks prior to my due date (extremely common here). That was good to know. 

I haven’t been in this boat very long and I’m sure there will be much more for me to learn, but in the mean time, let me give you a brief look into pregnancy and delivery conditions here in the not-so-primitive country of South Africa:

1. They have OBGYNs here, and they can be found at real hospitals. I’m sorry to tell you though that here they are called a “gynae” which is pronounced “guy-nee”...so classy. 
2. My doctor’s office is small, but has all the right equipment to do a complete ultrasound. I was able to see the little guy swimming around at about 10 weeks just like anyone back home might :) 
3. Based on what you learned from #2, it will probably come as no surprise that we will have as good a chance of learning the gender as all of our pregnant friends in the states! All we need is a cooperative baby...
4. People here can choose to give birth in a hospital with an OB (public or private hospitals, and the private ones are considered “better”) or a birthing center. Of course, no matter where you live I suppose you always have the option of a DIY delivery at home, but no thanks. 
5. The pharmacies have a variety of prenatal vitamins, only be sure to ask for “antenatal.” That’s what they call it here...antenatal :) 
6. People get morning sickness all over the world :( 
7. Most medical centers will accept medical insurance, but not initially. You pay up front for the services provided and settle things with your insurance company yourself. This would be nearly impossible for most Americans, I think, but here in South Africa...
8. HEALTHCARE IS SO CHEAP! I was shocked, I tell you, absolutely shocked! My first appointment with my OB—which included an ultrasound—cost 900R. That’s $90! Total. Not after insurance, total! Seriously, I’m not even sure we’ll be able to get any reimbursement even after the entire pregnancy and delivery are over and done, because we may not have even reached our deductible! If you want to have babies on the cheap, this is the place to do it :) 
9. Pippy will not qualify for South African citizenship because his foreign father and I are not considered permanent residents of the country. We’re more like long-term visitors, since we’re on a two-year visitor’s visa. 

Ok, that’s what I know for now. So next time you’re asked if foreigners can even have a baby in Africa, tell them yes, they totally can!

Thanks to Todd for working up these highly technical and descriptive illustrations for me on the fly ;)