Pregnant surprise!
‘It was not amusing at first to learn that we were expecting, but we have enjoyed the experience;
Regina Apiny and John Kihara tell Pregnant about their unexpected pregnancy.
How did you discover you were pregnant?
Regina: I was working as a pastry chef as I awaited confirmation to work permanently, in my current workplace. One time. I was having rice for lunch that got to chose me to the point of throwing up. I thought it was abnormal to have such a reaction; but I doubted being sick since no symptoms had presented themselves earlier on. Though I did not think about it much. I was aware that my periods had delayed. I went and bought a pregnancy test kit; and since I did not know how to use it and did not have any free time anyway. I kept it in my bag. Then I called my husband and asked him to go to a chemist and inquire on how to use it. When we did the test together, it turned out positive.
John: The surprise positive result was not amusing. It threw us both in to shock. The fact she had just been employed by a new company as a chef made us even more afraid. There was the prospect of termination.
How has it been since?
Regina: By the next day, I had got around to accepting that I would soon be a mother. I was determined to have a positive attitude about my experience. I knew it would also be different and not similar to someone else’s. I have continued working without any hitch since then. I finally got my appointment letter though I had not yet disclosed my condition. At times. I wondered whether I would faint and sell myself out. So I started by telling my colleagues and finally my boss.
As for the fainting, I avoid it by eating well. I ensure I am satisfied at all times. I always have a fruit in my bag to keep away any nausea, and that always works. I am also lucky to be working in the food industry, so I can have a bite every time I feel the need to. The problem comes when I have to change positions at night. This interrupts my sleep.
John: Regina has not changed much. She has not had those strange cravings or dislikes for anything. Her love for sleep is more though, she is occasionally moody and she complains of leg cramps which she easily soothes with a massage. She also gets tired very fast. But she still performs house chores, most of the time. She looks good even now in her eighth month. Though her EDD is on 26th June, we have not bought any baby items yet. We have not done the preparations for the baby for we decided to establish the baby’s sex first. I would want a baby girl.
Have you had any complications?
Regina: In the first and second trimester, I did not gain any weight and that worried me.
But when I went for my antenatal clinic at the beginning of the third trimester I was informed that I had added 4kgs in just a month. That was unusual but not in a negative way. So the doctor told me to report any unusual feeling to him.
Stories people tell…
Regina: My mother told me I can actually establish the baby’s sex by what I dream about. If I dream of a rat or a snake coming to me, it is likely that I am expecting a baby boy. And then if I see an ocean or a bird, then that Is a baby girl.
My grandmother also says that if I bear a baby boy now, I should take a lot of porridge next time so that I get a baby girl.
Baby names
Regina: I would love to name my girl Jewel; and the boy would be known as Asea; a variation of the name Hosea which I love.
John: I am looking for a name that is unique. I once suggested naming the baby in numbers or occasions because it would be unique as the American President’s name. Obama. However, that was taken lightly by Regina and now I am considering the name Reign or Gift. Both are nice and unique.
END: PG22/22