Toughing it out

Roselyn Njoki was thrilled by the news that she was pregnant, not knowing that the months that would follow would be tumultuous; a long, arduous journey. She narrates her experience to Rebecca Njoki.

When I discovered that I was pregnant I called everyone I knew and shared the good news. It was thrilling. My joy was to be short lived though.

TWO MONTHS LATER
At eight weeks, I attended my first ante natal clinic. George, my husband accompanied me. After the routine checkup, I decided to have a word with the doctor to inform her of my abdominal pains. The doctor was alarmed, and told me that I should not be in pain at this stage of pregnancy. She further explained that pregnancy is supposed to be painless. Then she delivered another bombshell: My pregnancy would not last for more than two days before I miscarried: my cervix had opened. I had to be admitted right there and then. And I had to be stitched. I could not believe it—and I was about to leave and put my baby in danger!

We asked the doctor to give us time to seek a second opinion. But she said delaying would put my life at risk. George agreed with her. I called my mother in law, a retired nurse. Her words gave me the confidence to go ahead with the operation. She assured me that the operation was safe and necessary as it would save my baby. I also called my colleague, who told me that as long as I was not bleeding, all would be well. True to their word, I felt relieved after the operation, with the pains and contractions ceasing immediately. I was released three days later and was to be on bed rest for two weeks.

BLEEDING
I went back to work and nothing went wrong for a while. After half an hour, I started bleeding. The blood stopped flowing as suddenly as it had started. It was as if a tap had been closed. I told my husband of the sudden change and he suggested that we rush to hospital before it could start.I wondered whether my baby would survive? Of course he would Survive! I told my mother-in-law and she promised to pray for me. urging me to maintain a positive attitude.

FIBROIDS
At the 16th week of my pregnancy, contractions started. This time. I decided not to go to hospital though they were severe. I had decided that if my baby was coming out before term then I would rather not waste my energy seeking medical care. However, I had to seek medication so I walked into hospital to seek again. I disagreed with him. saying I was feeling alright. After twenty minutes l called my doctor. I did not have a reason to see her. I waited till Monday then had a scan, which indicated that I had a low-lying placenta. The doctor assured me it would correct itself as I progressed in my pregnancy. She told me to take it easy and that at 28 weeks of pregnancy we would be in a position to determine whether the baby would survive. I was upset by these words. Determine advice on the recommended drug that would stop the contractions. Then the doctor dropped yet another bombshell: I had fibroids and that is the reason I was in pain. I could not walk comfortably. She advised me to go for a scan to determine the fibroids’ location vis a vis the baby’s. The radiologist briefed me, telling me that I had five growths which were not lying close to the baby. It was a relief.

All of these experiences deprived me of the joy of anticipating the baby’s arrival. I did not make preparations such as shopping for baby items. I was uncertain that he would make it till the end. I started attending school despite the doctor warning me to get enough rest. Idle time would only lead me to thoughts about the baby and the possible danger that he could be in. My husband was amazingly supportive and would always pick me every evening after my classes. Before long. I was counting days to the 28th week of my pregnancy. The doctor had predicted that it would be safe to deliver the baby in case of an emergency at this stage.

A MILESTONE
I became very prayerful and started talking to my baby. I would tell him to be a fighter like I had been throughout the pregnancy. I told him to play his part and stay in there till he was fully grown.
I asked him to eat all he could. His kicks would assure me of his response. I learnt to be thankful for every week that passed without having any difficulty. Now that I am in my 34th week of pregnancy I feel blessed having achieved a milestone. It is four weeks to the journey’s end. For some reason everyone thinks I am glowing and that I have grown prettier. I have since stopped going to school. We are going to make it because my baby and I are ready to go all the way. We will ensure that.

BABY NAMES FOR THE FIGHTER
We will name him Kirubi Maina. That is my father-in-law’s name. After the pregnancy passed the 28th week without incident. I was in preparation mood. And a friend shopped for everything that a baby requires. It was wonderful. And she did all this without any prompting from me.

Lessons Learnt
Due to complications my pregnancy seems to have stretched for long. Each week I dread some thing bad will happen, and when it passes I heave a sigh of relief. I have been challenged because it is my nature to always have things in control. The bed rest, however, would make me feel helpless. This has made me a different person, totally transforming me. My attitude towards pregnancy and child birth has changed. I respect mothers. I have learnt that children come from far and it is a blessing to be pregnant.

END: PG17/21-22