The Channel 46
Sheetal Kapasi: “My pregnancy was an unplanned one. I already had my first child and got pregnant after 13 years, even though my perimenopause symptoms had begun. I was 36! My first reaction was sheer joy and happiness. But, once the initial elation settled, I was very scared, nervous, and overwhelmed. I was worried about going through the whole process of pregnancy all over again, including birthing and raising a child.
Anagha Deshpande: “I first got pregnant 2 years of marriage at the age of 27. But unfortunately, it had to be medically terminated as it was an Anembryonic pregnancy. After that, I had to undergo multiple tests that troubled me emotionally. And the one thought that kept creeping up in my mind was whether it would be difficult for me to have a normal pregnancy.
My pregnancy was totally unplanned and I was only aware of it after 8 weeks of conception. This was because I had an irregular menstrual cycle. When we were told about the happy news of pregnancy, we were all on cloud nine. My parents and in-laws were ecstatic too! The feeling that a baby is growing in my womb made me emotional.
Once the pregnancy was confirmed, medications like folic acid, vitamin supplements along with a suitable diet were recommended. As the first 2 trimesters are crucial for the necessary growth and development of the baby, I was advised to practise yoga asanas and meditation. Frequent and regular check-ups were encouraged.
Now due to my age, my doctor pre-decided that my delivery would be a planned C-section. A day before the scheduled delivery, my blood test indicated a drop in the platelets count. This meant more tests until my count was back to normal. The next day, reports were normal and by God’s grace, everything went smoothly.
From my personal experience, I believe that the decision to have a child is primarily the woman’s, but also something the couple should plan. While age is a factor, what should be the focus is that both the parents should be emotionally and physically fit to be able to enjoy the joy a little angel brings into your life.”
The Channel 46