I found out I was pregnant when I was in my tenth week. I could not believe it at first but then we were prepared and anticipating for it to happen. I did my first check-up (just to confirm on the pregnancy) in one of the GP in town. The next question was, should I go to Government or Private Clinic for my antenatal check-ups? Before I went to any of the clinics, I literally thought that Government clinic will give you the lowest service (as low as the cost). Little did I know, I was wrong. There were of course the pros and cons of going to either clinics. In the end, I decided to go for both antenatal check-ups. Not quite sure whether it's true or not but according to some mothers it's better to register for both. If you opt for private hospital and suddenly you face birth complication/emergency *touch wood*, you will need to be transferred to a government hospital with more specialist expertise. It was said that if such case happen, government hospital will only receive you if you have your antenatal book. 

Throughout my 39 weeks of pregnancy and the uncountable visits to both government and private clinics, I can conclude on the following:

Government clinic:

Service: 2/5

Gahhhhhhh! It took me forever to do my first registration at the clinic. I went there at 9:00 am only to be told to do another urine check just to confirm on my pregnancy (I did brought the test result from the previous GP though). Imagine the long queue I had to endure at the lab only to finish by noon! The nurse then asked me to come back after 2:00 pm and to bring together a copy of our marriage cert., IC copies & passport pictures (husband and wife). The rule of thumb is, always come early. I was lucky I live just 1 km from the clinic. Make sure you're in front of the clinic even before it is open. Put your book on the registration counter and you can proceed to the lab (don't forget your blood and urine test form). Put the form on the counter and wait until your name being called (please make sure the timeline is between 7:30-7:45) for the test. After the test go back to the clinic to get your appointment number. Once you received it go back to the lab to get your test result and proceed to your appointment room and wait until your number being call. Phew! The fastest time I did was arrived by 7:15 and finished by 9:00. Imagine the look on my face. Pure happiness!

I didn't encounter any problems with the nurses though. I do noticed some of the nurses like to bully young mothers though. When I said bully it was more in terms of questioning why they didn't come for appointments, why they were late, why they did not follow their advises. The thing is, these mothers did not answer the questions and the nurses keep on "harassing" them. It was kind of annoying, I mean how some of the nurses treat these young mothers. But I think as long as you keep them informed all will be okay. I guess. 

Consultation: 5/5

I love how the nurses did their consultation. They asked a list of thorough questions and we have our own personal antenatal book. The book keep me updated and well informed on some of the things that I have to focus more to achieve a healthy pregnancy. I feel comfortable asking a lot of questions as a first time mother. I was given Room no. 7 and all the nurses were great! You will only get to see the doctor once in a while or when you have some complication. In my case I had a low Hb. So in I go to see the Doctor. The Doctor was nice and all, advises me to eat more green leafy vegetables and other food that can increase my Hb. 

Facilities: 3.5/5

Okay, the Doctor did the ultrasound but I can't seem to see anything on the screen. Lab result (for blood and urine test) came out fast. Only if you came as early as 7:00 am. Sharp. Once you know the drill it's going to be smooth and easy. You can finish everything as early as 9:00 am. Trust me. 

Private clinic:

Service: 5/5

What can I say, it was smooth as a baby's skin. No hassle no queuing up. You just have to call to make your appointment and before you know it, you're sitting there in front of the doctor. Nurses were so courteous. 

Consultation: 2/5

The reason why I choose my OB-GYN was because he received all my 3 nephews and basically recommended by my brother. He is a Doctor with few words *sigh*. He has a very beautiful smile though. But overall he's the best (insert a big smiley face).

I don't remember having any antenatal book, but I think the clinic did keep my detail pregnancy history 

Facilities: 5/5
A very comfortable waiting and registration area. You feel like sleeping while waiting. It's near to City Mall some more (I mean the clinic). Just beside the clinic you can find a maternity shop selling almost everything that you need for pre and post pregnancy.

Conclusion:

By the way I went to Dr. Sarva of KK Specialist (Private) and Penampang Policlinic (Government) for my antenatal check-ups. I would really recommend you to register to both private and government clinic. But then again, please consider your time whether you can accommodate to more appointments (with the later being more hassle and time consuming). In the end after much consideration, I decided to give birth in the private hospital. My main reason was, less hassle in terms of checking in, comfortable room (I opt for single occupancy), more privacy, within our budget and I had the utmost trust to my OB-GYN (well he did received 3 of my nephews!).