So, I got pregnant at 39. We didn’t really announce it publicly for our peace of mind and because it was a delicate journey. For those who know me well, this is a total shocker! Life happened, and God clearly had bigger plans for us.
In the second quarter of 2024, I was sick most of the time. I had kidney stones, which were immediately removed, and I also happened to have gallstones. Bangladeshi doctors recommended gallbladder removal, but something didn’t feel right, so we flew to Bangkok in July for a second opinion and a series of tests. After thorough evaluation, the doctor advised against surgery and instead recommended monitoring.
With that settled, we moved on and ended up consulting with an OB-GYN in Bangkok for IVF—yes, IVF. I wasn’t entirely sure about it since it required time and full commitment, but I figured, why not? The plan was to start medication in November and prepare for implantation in January 2025. We even bought loads of medications, and they weren’t cheap!
Ever since my kidney stone issue, we tried to change our lifestyle—we got scared. We cut back on vices, started going to the gym religiously (it was literally in front of our apartment), and reduced late-night shenanigans. We became healthier, and my period was always on the dot, which was surprising considering my PCOS.
Then came July. I was a few days late, so I took a test for fun, without any expectations—it had become a routine at this point. WHAT?! Two blurred lines. At that moment, I felt illegal. I was shaking. I walked out of the bathroom and told my husband. He was over the moon, while I was… confused. What just happened? Am I really pregnant?
I took another test, which came out positive. To be absolutely sure, we called for a home service blood test (hCG). All of this happened in a single day. My head was spinning—what’s going on? The blood test result came back, and we went for an ultrasound a week after: “About 5+ weeks of early intrauterine gestation.”
This was it. But why was I still confused? I kept asking myself if my reaction was normal. I wasn’t happy, but I wasn’t sad either. I guess I was just… floating.
At the same time, Bangladesh was in turmoil. There were protests everywhere, and the streets were full of violence. We were in a total lockdown, with communication shut down. We weren’t allowed to leave the house, and all we could do was watch the news and wait for any messages from work or the government. These events didn’t help my early pregnancy at all. The once-confused me turned into a scared me.
What will happen to us? What if I have an emergency?
To add to the stress, my husband was waiting for his Philippine visa because we were scheduled to travel in August for my brother’s wedding. And because of the turmoil, the Embassy had to close until further notice. Work also became more demanding due to the worsening situation. I was anxious that my leave might get canceled, but by hook or by crook, I had to go to Manila. Not just for the wedding, but because I wanted a proper check-up. I couldn’t keep my anxiety to myself—I think I even cried while talking to a colleague about it.
God bless him, because after learning about my situation, my leave wasn’t canceled. My husband’s visa was issued last minute, and we were finally ready to go to Manila.
That was August.
Usually, I’d throw a welcome party on our first night back. People would get the invite weeks in advance, and we’d party and drink. But this time was, of course, different. We arrived on the eve of my 39th birthday, and all I was looking forward to was hearing our baby’s heartbeat.
Fast forward to that day: BOOM. We heard it. All confirmed.
We returned to Bangladesh with happy hearts, continued our healthy lifestyle, and went about work as usual. We kept everything lowkey but planned to share the news with our closest friends in the second trimester.
Then… was that blood?
I had my first episode of spotting, and that was just the beginning. My doctor advised me to work from home—this was the last week of September (start of 2nd trimester). The spotting stopped for a while but then started happening more frequently. I couldn’t stop crying. I cried almost every day. Every night and day.
My doctor prescribed more medication, but what really affected me was the weekly injectable HPC. I cried every time I had to take it. It was painful, left a lump each time, and eventually, I had so many that it became uncomfortable—even painful—to sleep. Thankfully, Sujan found a nurse who came to our house every Sunday to give me the jab.
I felt isolated. Being at home all the time, not seeing anyone—I was very scared for the baby because my body kept failing him. I started questioning my faith. I was exhausted, vulnerable, and definitely depressed. I wanted help, but I couldn’t say it out loud.
My supervisor at work knew about my condition, and I must say, my office supported me all throughout. My husband was my rock—still is. He didn’t know how to handle the situation, though. His instinct was to talk things out, thinking it would help, but I’d just shut him down and cry. He was confused too, but he never left my side.
Fast forward to November—I was admitted to the hospital for the second time after a major scare. My sister-in-law insisted we go to the ER immediately. She had been our guiding light through all this. After two nights in the hospital, we decided to reassess our plans.
We had initially planned to travel to Manila in January 2025 and had already applied for my husband’s visa. But after this recent scare, we requested the Philippine Embassy to expedite it due to an emergency.
At this point, I told myself: Pregnancy struggles need to be normalized. Pregnant women should acknowledge them. It’s not about being ungrateful—it’s about being human.
The change in plans wasn’t easy - it was a risk but we still made it to Manila. It was one of the best decisions we made as a family. Everything changed. I stopped bleeding. I stopped crying, too.
Since I was in my third trimester, I had more frequent follow-ups. At my 32nd-week check-up, my doctor found that my cervix had already started effacement. She advised me to stop working until delivery. I told my husband to rebook his flight for an earlier date once he received his visa.
February 7th: Routine check-up. Vitals: 143/70. My doctor didn’t take it lightly and ordered lab tests and an ultrasound. That night, just as I was about to sleep—excited for my baby shower the next day—my doctor called.
One of my test results came in. It was 31 times higher than normal.
I had to be admitted. Immediately.
I was officially admitted at 1 AM on a Saturday. At first, I still thought I’d make it to my baby shower if I got discharged on the same day. But by 11 AM, I knew it had to be postponed.
Sujan arrived that day. I was emotional. Seeing him, I cried tears of joy. He saw my bruises—both arms covered in marks from repeated blood extractions. My veins had collapsed. It was too much. After days of tests and close monitoring, I was finally discharged on Tuesday, with a strict 14-day rest order.
Considering my generalized anxiety, I was surprisingly calm.
On February 26th, I sent my latest ultrasound results to my doctor. She simply replied: "Get admitted tomorrow."
February 27th, we checked into the hospital at 2 PM. By dawn, my BP spiked. My doctor ordered an emergency C-section.
February 28, 8:25 AM. Our baby boy was born.
Life changed. Right there.
We had to go through some close monitoring, but eventually, we went home—with a plus one.
Nothing else mattered except him.
I’m now a mom, and my husband? Promoted to Best Dad in the World.
We are blessed.
Thank you.