Anxious for a girl

Katini Oiro

SEVEN months into my pregnancy, I developed high blood pressure. I was having a severe headache and had difficulty in walking. The doctor prescribed bed rest. There was just one problem—I had too much to do at work!

When I found out I was pregnant, I was somewhat disappointed because we were undertaking a very demanding project at my workplace. It was stressful just trying to figure out how I would cope with pregnancy and the pressure at work.

I am a Systems Analyst in IT dealing with systems, applications and products in data processing. At that time I had 100 users to train. I had to strike a deal with my boss to let me leave the office a bit earlier, so that I could grab a little rest. I had to slow down a bit for the sake of the pregnancy.

Even though we didn’t plan for this pregnancy, I’m okay with it. I know that there are many people who want babies and they can’t have them.

This being my third pregnancy, I felt I had all the information pertaining to pregnancy. Therefore I only went to the clinic at three months and again at seven months.

This time, I want a girl because I already have three boys. I have not gone for a scan to check the sex; I am so anxious for a girl and I fear it may turn out to be another boy! If it’s a boy I will accept my fate. I don’t think I can get another baby at my age.

All my children were born in July; my first born Timothy was born on July 11th, and the twins Joshua and Caleb were born on July 15th. My EDD for this pregnancy is July 29th. I delivered my first baby normally but with the second birth, I went through a C-section because one of the twins was getting distressed and the doctors could not detect his heartbeat. I was 8 months pregnant with Joshua and Caleb when I discovered they were twins. One day I collapsed on the streets. Good Samaritans took me to a clinic, where the doctor did a scan. It was then that I discovered I wasn’t carrying one big baby, but twins!

This time I hope to go normal but the doctor has told me because of the previous scar he is yet to make a decision.

My husband, Solomon, has been very supportive; he plays a lot with the boys and spends a lot of time with them.

END: PG8/26