Pregnancy Not By The Book

What happens when your pregnancy doesn’t sound anything like any of those in the books you’re reading?

- Loren Stow

Many times pregnancy is referred to in hushed tones of total wonder and splendour, described as the miracle of life, where the woman is doted upon and every moment is cherished. It’s not difficult to imagine a choir of angels singing as a full-bellied woman emerges from organza that is softly draped over her. But wait just a second! Typical hiccups and major complications aside, what if your pregnancy is simply nothing like you imagined it would be? What if your pregnancy does not go by any book you’ve read? Not every pregnant woman floats through her nine months enveloped in an angelic glow.

THE UNPLANNED PREGNANCY

Considering that almost 50% of all pregnancies in South Africa are unplanned, there are about half a million really surprised pregnant moms every year. Of course, many of these mothers are pleasantly surprised and have lives that can support a new addition, but there are mothers who take the news a little less positively. They may be single or they may already have what they consider to be enough children; their finances may already be strained. Whatever the reason, an unplanned pregnancy can throw any book right out the window.

THE ANXIOUS PREGNANCY