Don’t Wait Like I Did: My Journey to Reclaiming My Health

Prenatal care is one of the most critical components of a healthy pregnancy journey. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider not only monitor the development of your baby but also safeguard your own health. This post delves into the key aspects of prenatal care, including essential screenings and tests, nutritional guidance, and the benefits of creating a birth plan. We'll discuss how early and consistent care can help prevent complications, manage existing conditions, and empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed for a positive childbirth experience.I looked 4 months pregnant, yet I was still very ignorant of what was happening to my body. Not acknowledging that my condition was abnormal, made me delay seeking help. It took me two good years to seek medical help. Thank God for the colleague at work who encouraged me to seek help.I recall seeing my gynae on a Friday morning. He was surprised by the size of the fibroid because just 2 years earlier at the birth of my son it wasn’t there. Bloods were taken & I was scheduled for review the following week. To my surprise, on the same day, I received a call at 6 pm (landline days, no cell phones) from him. I was pretty disturbed as to why he was calling after hours. I could hear the worry in his voice as he told me I had severe anaemia & it was very unsafe for me to be driving myself or even be alone. I was at a high risk of collapsing. He advised on urgent blood transfusion and surgery.I was very hesitant, however, he insisted and said that he wanted to see me first thing on Monday. Reflecting on the quality of my life I reluctantly agreed. I was transfused 5 units of blood & then proceeded to surgery. Thereafter I started my journey to recovery. The relief was immense and looking back I should have sought help earlier.My advice to the world and to women in particular is:1. Women need to be empowered and educated on matters of reproductive health. We need to be able to recognise abnormalities in our bodies and seek timely help. Look at me, it took time for me to know that the heavy menstrual periods were a symptom of illness.2. ⁠We have normalised the abnormal and so many women endure unnecessary pain and discomfort. I lived with a lump for years, yet I should have known that it required medical attention.That’s my fibroid journey… and I hope it inspires & encourages women out there to seek help on time, to choose wellness of infirmity.