It’s a joy ride for Josleen Soita – despite a mis-diagnosis
‘I don’t have any cravings, mood swings, nausea, drastic weight gain, dislikes, or morning sickness!’
She narrated her story to Roseline Atieno.
‘Throughout my pregnancy I have been very energetic. However, my first two months were tumultuous. I developed cramps and when I went to the hospital, I was diagnosed as having a threatened miscarriage due to fatigue.
I was ordered to have bed rest for one week and thereafter had some antibiotics prescribed for me. The drugs proved to be too strong and made me throw up while at work, for three consecutive days. I sought alternative medical help and it turned out to be a case of mis-diagnosis. I was given other drugs and since then I have not had any health complications.
When we got married in October 2005, my husband and I planned to get a baby after having lived together for at least one year. Hence this is my first pregnancy and we are in our third year of marriage.
We started trying for a baby in January 2006 and three months later, with no positive results. I started panicking. I have always experienced heavy bleeding during my periods and I was afraid that that might be an indicator of infertility. However, when I sought medical advice, the doctor assured me that nothing was amiss. He further explained to me that since I had been on pills, I would have to wait for at least one year before I could be tested for infertility.
In May 2007 I missed my period. I immediately bought a pregnancy home kit and did the test, which turned out positive. I stayed for a while before proceeding to seek reassurance from the hospital. When I told my husband about the pregnancy test results, he was thrilled.
I started my antenatal visits during my 7th week of pregnancy, on the same day that I got confirmation that I was indeed pregnant. I have had three scans, which I undergo by choice, in order to see my baby’s movements.
However, I have not checked the sex of the baby because I want the gender to be a surprise. My husband, though, prefers a baby girl because he grew up in a family of many brothers and only one sister.
I don’t have any cravings, mood swings, nausea, drastic weight gain, dislikes, or morning sickness. This has enabled me carry on my daily routine normally: I am always at work by 7.00 am so as to check up on the school work before the usual 8.00 am.
My stomach has also not protruded and people wonder whether I am actually six months pregnant!
Although I have been exercising a lot, and I have received constant reassurance from friends and my doctor, I still fear that labour and childbirth may not be easy.
I know that every labour experience is unique. I do not have a birth partner yet because I do not want to ’scare’ my husband: I also fear that he might decide we will never have another baby—I intend to have two more! I might have a girlfriend with me, but I am yet to confirm that.
This pregnancy has changed me a lot; It has brought me close to my husband and our sex life is even better than when I am not pregnant. I have developed maternal instincts that make me concerned about crying babies. I feel more focused and responsible. I have also become very careful with my eating habits and health. I have started thinking a lot about raising a family.
My Worst Moments!
The worst moments are mostly in the mornings. At times I wake up feeling very tired but since I know that I have to face the day’s challenges, I encourage myself and start my day.. I am also being excluded in holiday trips by my girlfriends whom I used to previously travel with.’
My Journey’s Best Moments
My best moments have been the attention showered on me by everyone especially my hubby, who calls me regularly to check on my status, and my mother who does shopping for me. Friends and colleagues at work who know that I am pregnant have also been very kind and treat me like royalty.
END:PG12/26 and 29