Every pregnancy comes with its challenge. And to be blessed with the fruit of the womb is Fadhl from Allah. Indeed a blessing from the Highest (Allah). While l was pregnant with my last child, as early as the last trimester, the illness l had, couldn’t be described. From emesis (vomiting) to heartburn. The food regurgitation in the middle of my sleep couldn’t ever be forgotten. When that happens, l had to struggle to catch my breath. In the long run, l resorted to sleeping in a sitting position as the pregnancy grows. Though the pregnancy hormone (progesterone) can increase heartburn, starting in the first trimester and indigestion is common in pregnancy as well.
Furthermore, pregnant women in their late second and third trimesters may experience a condition similar to superior vena cava syndrome. This occurs when the inferior vena cava (the smaller of the two veins that transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart) gets compressed by pressure from the fetus and the enlarged uterus. This is also called Supine Hypotensive syndrome. As described above, the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava when a pregnant woman is in a supine position, leading to decreased venous return centrally.
Yes, l want the baby to live like the rest. I want to see her laugh and hold her tight with love. Each time l looked at the big belly, l was always scared. I was scared of myself, the baby, and my labor. I always pray that l come back home with the baby and myself alive. I was between fear and hope. Each time l woke up pregnant, l was always thankful. And l was looking forward to the day the baby will finally arrive.
Unlike some of my children, I waited for forty weeks and some days before she finally arrived. I can’t describe how the labor went. At a point, l was going to give up on pushing. But l was encouraged to never give up. One thing l didn’t give up on, was my prayer. It was my “coat”. And Allah never leaves a servant who calls Him by His name. I am thankful she had the opportunity to live, and we finally had to laugh and raise her beautiful self, with love, mercy, and care.
I pray for all TTC sisters and as well as all pregnant women reading this. May Allah ease your affairs and May He grant you a safe delivery.
Umm Sumayyah Mai
July 1st, 2022