Now I remember everything, as if it was yesterday. How I went to the antenatal clinics to register when I first got pregnant.
I was a very conscientious citizen then. I took all the tests on time, did the necessary examinations, consulted with the doctor. When I finally saw that the test showed two lines, I was so happy. I immediately went to my doctor for confirmation of the diagnosis. And to make sure that everything was normal. Everything really was fine and it was confirmed at the ultrasound diagnostic. Then I was directed to register at the women’s clinic where I was registered.
A doctor was supposed to meet me there, but she was ill and I saw a midwife instead. She sent me to another doctor, who examined me again and nodded her head that the pregnancy was confirmed. Then I went to the midwife in my area to get all the relevant paperwork.
She was not very friendly for some reason.
It was after I guessed that her working day was coming to an end and I was the last one to go home. Most likely, she was in a hurry and was already far away in her thoughts.
– Good afternoon,” I greeted her as I entered the office. – I was referred to you to get registered.
– Oh, you mean register? – she looked at me strictly. – Pregnant?
– Is there any other way? – I was genuinely surprised by such a ridiculous question that followed my explanation at the entrance.
– Well, how much have you got? – she asked the next question.
– Six,” I answered, realizing that she was referring to her gestational age.
Her next question shocked me, to put it mildly.
– So what makes you think it’s a pregnancy?
I wonder – is she stupid or stupid? What kind of a ridiculous question is that? Am I making this up? That’s why I answered boldly:
– The doctor told me that. I’m already to you after the examination. – I nodded my head at the card.
Somehow this argument did not convince the midwife.
– So what?
– I don’t understand your questions? – I was at a loss.
– What she could tell at such a small age? It’s not even clear yet.
I wonder if they are so indifferent to everyone, or if they don’t care about patients at all. I had a question on my tongue: “Maybe just before the birth to come to you? So that I could see for sure and lay down on the table with my belly – take a look! Look at that!”
But I held back and said nothing. Otherwise she would have said something ridiculous, like:
– Do you have any doubts about your pregnancy? Or is it just that your farts aren’t coming out? Have you tried treatment for bloating?
That day I did get registered. It just left a bad taste in my mouth. I was beginning to wonder if it was just my imagination. Maybe I’m not pregnant at all!
