talking point
SHOULD ANNOUNCE EXPECTING?
YOU THAT YOU’RE
You’re thrilled you’re pregnant – but should you spread the news so soon? Here’s how, and when, to share your secret
just as she hit the six-week mark, her fans were delighted. With most celebrities we have to endure months of bump watching until an official announcement is made. But Kate, who suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness) in both her pregnancies, was forced to let the cat out of the bag at a phase in her pregnancy when many other moms-to-be don’t even know they’re expecting. Her decision was to avoid speculation when she bailed on her official engagements.
W 26 YOUR PREGNANCY WHAT’S UP DOC?
One of the challenges for healthcare professionals is that women delay reporting their pregnancy, which means they may miss out on essential medical care at a crucial stage of their pregnancy – the first 12 weeks. You want your pregnancy to be managed properly from a medical perspective. “Seeing a doctor or going to the clinic as soon as you know you are pregnant means they can check your blood pressure and exclude any other dangers that may interfere with your pregnancy, such as diabetes,” says senior lecturer in Health Sciences Education at Unisa, Dr Johanna Mathibe-Neke. But there’s also a lot going on in your head during pregnancy, and Dr Mathibe-Neke says that receiving early medical intervention means that emotional and mental support can be given if you are feeling wobbly. “A woman may separate from her partner because she is experiencing psychological problems caused by her hormone changes,” she says. Apart from counselling, you can be referred to social services where financial assistance or accommodation can be provided if you are facing these challenges.
hen queen-in- waiting Kate M i d d l e t o n announced her second pregnancy
While the public’s sympathy lay with Kate, it has raised the question about when it is an “acceptable” time to share your special secret with the world.
TOO SOON?
Midwife Ingrid Groenewald explains that you may feel hesitant to announce your pregnancy early if you have experienced a miscarriage in an earlier pregnancy, or are concerned about complications. “There are positives to telling people you are pregnant early. Firstly, they will understand why you are tired or not feeling well and can offer you help, and if you do suffer complications they can offer you support,” she says. However, if the
pregnancy ends in miscarriage you may feel drained by having to tell everyone, and if you have other children telling him or her very early may be confusing to them because of the long wait for the baby, says Ingrid.
QUESTION OF CULTURE? Whatever background you come from, many issues around your pregnancy will be influenced by tradition and superstition. And these kick into play the second you pee on a stick and it turns pink. In many Southern African cultures, discussing pregnancies is considered taboo, leading women to withhold their due date from everyone except
BY LORI COHEN
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