I had the Weirdest of cravings!
The discovery
Finding out I was pregnant resulted in a mix of emotions: excitement, fear and anxiety.I had abdominal pains that made me go to hospital but the medicines that were prescribed were not making me feel better. A friend advised that I take a pregnancy test as my periods were late by about a week. When I finally did, it turned positive. At first I was scared of the effects the medication I had taken would have on my baby, so my partner and I checked with the doctor. I underwent some tests and luckily the results did not show anything to worry about.
Baby expectations
I don’t know the sex of the baby as the last scan could not show that. My biggest prayer now is that the baby is healthy, although I would really like to have a baby boy.My friends have nicknamed my baby ‘Waithaka; which has stuck! I have a list of names, including those from my friends. The most likely is one from a humble Catholic Saint that also carries my initials. I hope my baby emulates this great saint as he grows up. I am keeping it a secret, lest someone steals it!
Unexpected moments
I have had two happiest moments. The first was when I heard my baby’s heartbeat for the first time-I cried! The second was when I felt my baby moved for the first time. I wasn’t sure what the butterfly movements fluttering in my belly were until I felt them again and again. The kicks are still my favourite moments.The most stressful part has been thoughts about what kind of a mother I will be; whether my baby will be healthy and alright, if I will manage through labour and all. .. But I have the most amazing family and friends who have made the pregnancy much easier. My doctor has also been very supportive, reassuring me that everything is going to be okay.
The unusuals
Cravings! I have had the weirdest cravings! At first it was KSL sweets, then mabuyu – and they had to be those ones sold outside Jamia Mosque! I also took a liking to pizza (until I gained a whopping 10 kilos in a month and decided to slow down on that). I have been craving fried beef, qitheri, matoke, pawpaws and chicken since then. Thankfully, I am out of sodas or any processed drinks and snacks as they give me a lot of gas. Now my biggest crave is Java ice-cream! I have suffered bouts of amnesia. I forget things that I was . meant to do, people I was meant to call or just any errand I had planned to run. I have resolved to carry a notebook with my jotted stuff so that I can at least remember. However, some people do not understand this and take it personally. How I wish they would understand!
Grateful
It hasn’t been easy being pregnant, especially because I work in a rather busy office, plus I have been combining part time school with work. But I thank God for He has given me the grace and strength to cope. I have received a lot of love from my family. I have nothing but love for them. My friends no less-praying with and for me, accompanying me for hospital visits, taking me shopping and buying stuff for me, taking me out for lunch and snacks. Just recently, I got a surprise baby-shower that I had not even anticipated. I’m forever grateful. These are some of the things that make me wish I’d stay pregnant forever!
END: PG 37 /16