Final Lap

Anne Wambua wraps up her pregnancy journey.

It is 4 am and I am seated in front of the television with a tub of ice cream, watching a movie. I had been tossing and turning in bed for nearly an hour when I decided to wake up and do something constructive. I was unable to sleep, and I felt hungry too. I am eating constantly, but I threw any cares about this habit to the wind a while ago. Waking up at odd hours of the night has become a trend-it has been going on for nearly a month. My nights are increasingly restless. Sometimes it takes ages to find a comfortable sleeping position. I have tried the recommended pillow between the legs, but it has not worked for me.

I am in my 39th week of my pregnancy. My baby is due, and I am ready to have him. I am starting to get impatient, and I cannot wait to see my little angel’s face. ‘Whom do you think the baby looks like?’ I asked my husband the other day. He replied that it does not matter. I have already felt the blows and kicks from this little being from inside my womb. And I am eager to see this miniature person who has been housed by my body for close to nine months now. The thought that soon I will be holding a small baby in my arms sends shivers of excitement through me. My mum thinks the baby is taking too long to come. She cannot wait to see her fourth grandchild. She has suggested numerous names for the baby. I listen and smile about this. It is my baby, and at the end of the day my say will resonate loudest—or so I think. I know that I will miss my pregnancy. It has been a beautiful and fulfilling experience.

If only I can quickly wish away the stressful moments; there are times when all I have wanted is to sleep; even at 9 o’clock in the morning! Then the fatigue has been consuming, more often than once. It is many a weekend that I have found myself whiling the entire day like a zombie, not able to run around and do my errands as planned.

I know for sure I will miss the flowers. I receive them every week from my loving husband. I have always loved flowers. So one day about four months ago when out of the blue he promised to be getting me some every week, I was ecstatic; I knew life could not get better. He has kept his word, buying me beautiful flowers in different colours and form. He tells me that he will stop when the baby comes! ‘Too much oxygen in the house is not good for a small baby,’ he said recently, wearing a serious face. I will see to it that I change his way of thinking, somehow:

At the moment I feel unattractive. And since I have not been sleeping well enough, my skin is not at its very best, though a friend told me not to even dare complain. For it is still flawless, despite the now ‘occasional puffiness and the darkened hue that seems to have permanently settled on it. I also feel heavy and clumsy.

I have not yet packed a hospital bag, something I know that I should have done by now. I need no more than my simple self to have the baby. I sometimes reason. But I promise myself that I will be packing-today. I need to be better organized. I know. But this planning business is just not in me. The hospital fee is already paid though. I believe that to be the most important thing to do.

The doctor advised that I go to work till the last minute, as long as I am not unwell or under duress. This will ensure I do not get restless and worried when I think the baby has been less active on a particular day. And so when I pack my bag I will have it in the car so that when the time is due. I am good to go-even if straight from work. I have been a frequent visitor at my clinic. But I think I just made my last trip.

I will now wait for the baby to come. I have realized that I keep asking the same questions, and that the doctor keeps giving the same assurances, albeit in different words. Yet the visits have not been exactly cheap. I am increasingly getting anxious as I watch the days drag by. All I can do is pray that I have a safe delivery. Deep down I know that there is no need to worry for the universe is on my side.

END: PG 20/12-13