Keeping a Positive Attitude Against all Odds
After two miscarriages, Riziki holds up her hope of carrying her third pregnancy to term.
She shared her experience with Rebecca Njoki
I started living with my husband, Raymond Maranga, four years ago and we really wanted a child before reaching an advanced age. I conceived immediately but after the fifth month I miscarried. The following year I conceived and miscarried again. After that I decided to wail for a while as the losses were almost unbearable.
In June 2007 I missed my periods and thought it was because I have a problem with my stomach. I never had morning sickness or nausea so it was not easy for me to notice changes in my body that would suggest I was pregnant. I waited until August before I could go for a pregnancy test and the doctor confirmed that I was three months pregnant. I was surprised!
I am excited because for the first time I have carried a pregnancy that promises to survive the full term.
The first time I miscarried, I was five months pregnant. I noticed that I was spotting and sought medical consultation. The doctor gave me some drugs for spotting but they did not stop it and a week later, I miscarried and had to rush to the hospital while my husband was away at work. My husband is the only one who learnt about the unfortunate incident. Though my mother called by coincidence while I was at the hospital, I told her that I had a problem with my stomach which would be sorted out shortly. Of course, she had her suspicions because while growing up I never had health problems—she knows this very well as she is a nurse—but she did not press the issue further.
The next year I was pregnant again and for second time I miscarried. I had spotting just like before and a few days later, I bled and lost my baby in the house. The emotional pain I had felt the previous year came again though the physical pain was not as much as the first time. I was weak and waited for my husband to arrive from work to take me to the hospital for medication and checkup. The doctor treated me and advised me to stop overworking myself and avoid strenuous activities which he said were the cause of the miscarriage.
Sharing the news of my pregnancy even with my partner was hard because I was not sure whether the baby would end up like the previous two. My husband noticed when I was three months pregnant and I confirmed it to him. Mostly, I share my concerns with my church members and my brother’s wife who is also pregnant.
Recently, I have been crying a lot because my husband’s taxi business keeps him away from me at a time when I crave his company. Nevertheless I have accepted his responsibility because apart from supporting our young home, he also takes care of my in-laws as their breadwinner.
I do not have cravings for any type of solid food but I love Delmonte juice. Actually, I sometimes wake up at night and can drink a whole litre! I also love milk.
Initially I feared going to the toilet thinking I would see spotting that would indicate I was losing another baby. After the second trimester passed successfully I was positive that I would deliver safely. My worst moment was when I had abdominal pains. I panicked and thought that I was having a miscarriage. I ran to the hospital and the doctor assured me that the baby was okay. The pain I had experienced was caused by the baby’s movement as he was turning.
My EDD is on the 20th February and I would prefer to have one of my friends from our neighbourhood as my birth partner. I have not had an ultrasound scan because I am worried it might disappoint my expectation of a baby boy. I have already chosen the name Gabriel for him. I think my partner wants a girl because he confidently insists on that possibility.
END:PG12/28