I feel complete
Emily Otogo shed tears when she went for her second routine pregnancy scan. Reason? The sight of a small being whose survival substantially depends on her was overwhelming. In her words, being a woman is fulfilling but being a pregnant woman surpasses that. She told Elizabeth Ombati
it makes her feel complete and more…
‘My periods are regular, usually falling on the 5th of each month. This particular time, I noted that they had delayed.I decided to buy a pregnancy home kit which showed that I was pregnant. Now, this was a bit of a shock as we had not discussed the prospects of starting a family with my husband, Kenneth Kola.
However, on giving him the confirmed results, he was beside himself with joy. I have never seen a man so happy. Life could only get better. Here I was, carrying the being of my dreams in me; who was growing to reality by the second!
Throwing up in the first trimester
I could not stand the smell of cooking food. It was one of the things that made my stomach churn, turn and heave. So to keep me from my throwing-up spells, mangoes became my delicacy. Strangely, they kept me well controlled.
Changing cravings
My cravings come by the month. One month I crave for masala chips, the next fried eggs, yet again get an urge to eat traditional vegetables the following month and the list goes on. Presently, I crave Coke. I have noted that whenever I get what I crave for, the whims are instantly satisfied and peace is restored within me.
Growing weight
I started my pregnancy weighing 76 Kgs. This has taken an upward trend which my doctor says is alright. I have now hit 85Kgs.
To keep fit
I depend on walking-knowing it is as good as any other exercise. When I used to work, my body felt lighter. Now that I have spent most of my time vegetating as I have started my leave, I feel heavier. I guess this is why pregnant women need to frequently exercise.
Best moments
My baby’s kicks. My pregnant friends had given me their ecstatic account about the kicks. So I could not wait for the little one to do the thing! When our baby finally kicked, in the middle of the night, I wanted to shout. I had to wake up my husband to share the moment. Looking at my tummy, we watched as our baby moved inside me. Words to explain that instant fail me.
Arrival plans
I started shopping for my baby boy and was almost done by my seventh month. I have already opened my baby’s savings account as I want to have a great investment for him. Talk of eagerly waiting for a King’s arrival!
Anticipating my D-day
I wish to go through the normal delivery process. My husband will be my birth partner. I do not have any labour fears as my friends have gone through the natural delivery and pulled through alright. That even makes me more eager for the D-day.
Parting shot
My pregnancy experience has been much more than this bulging tummy. What I eat, how I dress and how I relate with my fellow men, should all work towards bringing out the best of the baby I carry. I have grown to learn that parenthood is sacred. And that makes me complete-a feeling I will always treasure.
END: PG20/24-25