If you ever get prego in Ireland you will know that in order to get an appointment with obstetrician you will need to get a referral letter from your GP first.
This was my first GP visit in Ireland. I called and was able to schedule the appointment the same day. I also found out that the first visit will cost me €50 and the rest of the medical care will be absolutely free for the rest of my pregnancy. Free. As in – I don’t have to pay anything. Ever. Amazing.
I met my GP who looked rather bored and depressed, but who wouldn’t working in Tyrrelstown, right? We verified the fact that I’m very much pregnant, determined my L.M.P., E.D.D., took blood pressure, etc. Everything was going normal… I think. Until the following conversation took place:
Dr. Bored-&-Depressed: This is your first pregnancy?
Me: Yes
Dr. Bored-&-Depressed: You know what to do?
Me: I think… no… not sure really.
Dr. Bored-&-Depressed: Don’t get tired, eat well, don’t run up and down stairs, don’t wear heals… you can look all this stuff up on the Internet.
Me:……(insert cricket sound here)
Dr. Bored-&-Depressed: Pay at the Reception please. She will give you the letter.

I left the office and paid at the Reception. “Congratulations!” said receptionist. My first “congratulations”. Does this make it official?

I still can’t believe he told me to “look this up on the Internet”. Really??? Is that how you got your degree too? I’m already paying my ISP and I surely paid for my home pregnancy test (all 10 of them)…. so really… I want my €50 back.