Pregnant!

Friday is the day of the week that most people look forward to, except only perhaps if it falls on the 13th day of the month, which superstition says makes a spooky match. Even so, it is today, a Friday the 13th, that I learn about my pregnancy after almost a year of marriage. Even though we did not actually “plan” to get pregnant, it felt so right and heartwarming.

After thinking about it, I realized how foolish I was not to know I was pregnant weeks before, when all the symptoms were already there. Maybe it was because we were not really expecting and wanting it yet. But then, one test kit showing a positive result changed my attitude altogether. Days after, I was starting to read pregnancy books and online materials. All of a sudden, I was eating healthy and was moving slower and more careful than normal. Sooner still, I started asking around and doing background checks of likely doctors so that I could schedule my very first pre-natal checkup as soon as possible.

Even before I went to my OB, I evaluated myself based on what I read and realized that I might be well into the second month of pregnancy. After that thought, the next ones started to disappoint and depress. Didn't I just join an evacuation drill recently, going downstairs from our office on the 41st floor? Didn't I just come from Palawan where I acted so gawky and did not mind abusing my body with all those walking, swimming and careless eating? The fatigue is still fresh from the Lenten season during which I maxed out my physical strength with all the Church activities especially during the Holy Week. There was even a day when I had to go to work before rushing to a Church service and then a walking tour of churches in our area. While I started to feel sorry for the baby and scold myself for not knowing, I also promised to make up with my negligence by taking double care and hoped it was not too late.

Just as all these sank in, I truly acknowledged how important it is to plan ahead and thoroughly prepare for a pregnancy because it begins even before you get an idea there’s a new life inside. For being able to learn and appreciate the gift of pregnancy and the significance of the days when you do not know yet, I am grateful.