Unplanned, Yes, but not unwanted!

Priscilla Muhiu was interviewed by Rebecca Njoki

Priscilla had just come from an official trip in Kisumu when she fell sick. Though she suspected she had contracted malaria, she bought a pregnancy home kit to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. I did the test at home and it turned out positive. I was shocked! Since I understand these kits are not absolutely accurate, I went with a colleague to the hospital for confirmation the next day. When it still turned positive I was unhappy because it was unplanned.’

She had mapped out a plan for her pregnancy which was instantly put into disarray by the results. She says. ‘My dream was to go for a trip with my husband for the purpose of conception. But in the midst of all the planning, the surprise sprang up!’ Priscilla is quick to add that though the forthcoming baby is unplanned for, he is not unwanted.

Her pregnancy has not been without problems. ‘The first trimester was hectic. Morning sickness made me miss work severally. I had to stem this feeling by taking medication. I also lost weight and was moody, especially towards my husband.’

Being absent at work worried her a lot since she was just a month old in her new workplace. ‘For a moment I thought the human resources department would not confirm me as a permanent employee.’ Luckily her fears were invalidated when she was given her appointment letter in January this year.

Did Priscilla have any cravings? ‘Yes! I crave tomatoes—even now as we speak I can feel it.

I carry them everyday. Thankfully I do not crave fatty foods or stones. I know such cravings would adversely affect my health.’

On the other hand, she dislikes perfumes and confesses that she has requested her husband to change his roll-on to an odorless one.

Priscilla is currently six months pregnant and hopes to have a normal delivery on the 1st of June 2008. which is her Expected Due Date (EDD). She would not like to have anyone as a birth partner. ‘I will only be with my private doctor in the labour ward, and nurses. That is what I prefer.’

Any preferred names for her forthcoming baby? ‘If it is a boy I will call him Asen or Fidel and if a girl, Cindy. I however hope to have a boy even though I have not yet gone for an ultrasound scan for confirmation.’

‘My hubby and in-laws were happy when I told them I was expecting. Unfortunately, it was not the same reaction at our home.’ Priscilla says her father did not approve of her cross-cultural marriage, so she did not even share the news of her pregnancy with him until a few weeks ago.

‘He just had to accept it because I am independent and living with my husband.’

Priscilla is making due preparations for the forthcoming new member of their young family. ’I have already shopped for the kid. I am buying neutral colors for every item until my child is born. I have also bought a cot. I do not plan to keep him in a separate room because it is a bit of a hustle waking up to go a long way when he cries for attention.’

She has a message to all employers as a result of being treated well by hers. ’Pregnancy is not a disease or a disorder. She is just as good as any other woman in her work. In most cases she can still execute the same responsibilities as before. A pregnant woman should not be alienated or treated badly.’

To the rest of the women she says, ’When you get an unplanned pregnancy, remember that babies come along with blessings. Make sure to eat well and exercise because these help in reducing stress during labour.

END:PG12/30 and 27