Light At The End Of The Tunnel

After suffering a miscarriage, Kajal Manek talks about her rainbow pregnancy, healing and peace.

- Tania Tarafdar

Nineteen months earlier, Kajal and Niraj were expecting a baby boy. But soon they learned that their baby would be stillborn at 19 weeks. Fast-forward 19 months and Kajal is seven months pregnant with her third child, whom she describes as proof that ‘there is life after loss’. Some birth stories touch you in a way you don’t expect. It was not until we met Kajal for the shoot that we learned that this is going to be a rainbow baby and an extra special moment for the family. Her story will make you cry happy tears.

THE PLANNING AND PREGNANCY

Back in 2015, two years into marriage Niraj expressed his wish of having a baby. Kajal too was convinced and within a month of planning, the couple was expecting their first child. Kajal describes her first pregnancy as ‘extremely easy’. She never experienced those classic pregnancy symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Yes, she did have occasional mood swings but Niraj made her feel better by constantly pampering her. Kajal was consistent with her yoga practice throughout pregnancy. Though not a trained yogi, Kajal followed Lara Dutta’s prenatal yoga series. She did not read too many books but listened to music during the day and before she drifted to sleep. She would also regularly talk to her baby in the womb. Soon, it was the 38th week and Kajal was due. She had to go for a c-section delivery as the baby was in breech position. Baby Siara was born.

BATTLE WITH DEPRESSION