Ignatius Rebecca Ozioma

PREGNANCY- A DEDICATED JOURNEY The feeling of pregnancy triggers a profound love in women that is far more affectionate than that of “Love at first sight”. This is a love that a woman develops for a soul that she has not previously encountered. This journey places a sense of responsibility on women toward their children, allowing them to give up foods they enjoy and eat daily, not fitting into their best outfits due to body changes, feeling awkward, and experiencing minor depression. Do you ever think about how fertilization occurs inside a woman's body, how the fetus develops, how her body changes on every side, and how she looks different from what she used to be? During pregnancy, most women have a bulgy nose: pregnancy is an incredibly selfless journey that a woman embarks on despite the natural challenges she faces. Considering the increase in population, 85% of childbirth occurs every day, women play a significant role in society, and their altruistic acts of childbearing are undervalued, and most women take a break from their careers for the sake of their children. During this stage of women’s life, they undergo a great deal of stress. Some women have supportive partners who assist them in navigating pregnancy, while others do not. Unfortunately, the opposite can have devastating consequences, leaving the woman to face tremendous physical and emotional trauma. In Africa many deaths of pregnant women have been recorded, most of whom were physically abused by their partners even while in pregnancy. The prevalence of IPV against pregnant women in Africa was reported to be 15%, with a range from 2 to 57%. Now the crucial part of pregnancy, the time when the mother goes to the war front, she stands as a warrior and is ready to fight regardless if she loses the battle or gains. Every mother today has been through that sweet pain, the emotional support they get during this period goes a long way, most African women don’t get the privilege of having their partner beside them during labor, African women go through a lot during childbirth, some surfing for harsh treatment and verbal abuse from medical staff. Successfully giving birth to their babies, the most satisfying feeling a mother has ever experienced, the enthusiastic feeling that she has won the battle, and her sacrifice wasn’t in vain. The pain women go through during childbirth, having to push a baby out through their pelvic bones, that pain can’t be imagined. Even after postpartum, women continue to exhibit strength and resilience by adjusting to their new life as a mother. This includes adapting to the new demands of motherhood, managing their emotions, and navigating the physical changes that come along with motherhood. Women are often able to do so with grace and courage, showing that even after childbirth, they are still heroes. Women should be applauded and celebrated for their courage and strength during the process of childbirth. From the physical pains of contractions and pushing, to the mental and emotional fortitude needed to adjust to life as a mother, women should be admired for their bravery and resilience in the face of the unknown. MOTHERHOOD IS A JOURNEY THAT REQUIRES IMMENSE STRENGTH AND COURAGE, AND WOMEN SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR HEROIC EFFORTS.