I Felt My Wife’s Pregnancy Pain… … Just Kidding!

Our sudden pregnancy and caring for a funny-looking newborn was a blessing—though it took us months to understand that simple truth.

Life Beats Probability!

Towards the end of 2014, my wife missed her period. We were only two months into marriage, and Sheetal was on birth control pills. Our married friends said they had never heard of a pregnancy happening on contraceptives. Just to be sure, Sheetal took a urine pregnancy test.

Like Hardik Pandya knocking Australian bowling, the positive result knocked the breath out of both of us!

At that time, I was freelancing with irregular pay. I could not imagine paying for pregnancy expenses. Sheetal, who always wanted to adopt a child, was nowhere near ready for motherhood. That’s why we had chosen contraceptive pills—failure rates were supposed to be less than 1%!

“It’s Just a Foetus, Right?”

One of our first thoughts was abortion. It seemed “practical.” We told ourselves it wasn’t really a human yet—it was just a foetus, right?

But a faithful friend spoke sense into us: life had been conceived. That little being would grow in the womb for nine months. We realized we were hiding behind medical jargon—“abortion,” “foetus”—just to continue our convenient lives.

The truth hit us: we already had a child. Could we really choose not to have him?

Breaking the News

Sheetal struggled to accept the suddenness for months. I took days just to process what had happened. My father, however, was wonderfully supportive, and our church friends stood by us. Their support helped us step into this unknown journey.

Still, I had questions:

• What would happen to Sheetal now?

• Would she get sick?

• Would she vomit?

That last one was answered very soon.

Vomits and a Surprise Date

Suddenly, Sheetal started vomiting anywhere and everywhere. Without either of our parents in the city, I don’t know how she would have managed if I wasn’t working from home.

And, being a naïve new husband, I made the big mistake of planning a “surprise date” —a trek up Lohgad Fort. By the time we reached the top, her hands and feet had swelled up, and we had to take a bus down. Not exactly romantic!

Lesson learned: the first trimester can be harder than the last, even if it doesn’t “show.”

Momos, Gynae Visits, and Divine Rhythms

Sheetal’s pregnancy craving was simple: momos! So Kedari Circle momo stall became our regular hangout. (Yes, I enjoyed my share too. The driver deserves snacks!)

The gynaec visits were unforgettable. At one appointment, I heard the loud, rhythmic beats of our child’s heart for the first time. I was rooted to the spot. In that moment, a father was born inside me.

Later, through a church series called The Heritage, we learned children are a blessing from God, not just a “task” or “responsibility.” That truth changed our perspective—and Sheetal’s attitude transformed into gratitude.

Pregnancy Education (for Husbands Too!)

Sheetal educated herself thoroughly and pushed me to read the “dad sections” in pregnancy books. Honestly, it helped. I learned what to pack in the “hospital bag,” how to prepare for emergencies, and how to be there for her.

Her friends even threw her a baby shower (yes, dads-to-be, that’s just a fun ladies’ party—no actual showers involved!).

Two Became “Two Plus One”

When her water finally broke, I went into full Hollywood mode: Braveheart! Gimli! Optimus Prime! Charge!

At the hospital, Sheetal was determined to have a normal delivery without pain relief. But when the pain became unbearable, she begged the doctor for injections. He smiled and walked away. (We would later thank him for insisting on a natural delivery.)

I held her hand, prayed, and sang hymns until she was taken to the labor room. Then, I watched as our son was born—healthy and strong.

Cute or Not, That Is the Question

When I held him, I wasn’t overwhelmed with tears. Honestly, he looked odd—pale skin, funny-shaped face. Sheetal didn’t find him “cute” either. For the first few months, she spent time with this “stranger” before motherly warmth kicked in.

Polite relatives kept debating: “He looks like Mom!” “No, like Dad!” All I could see was a resemblance to former President Dr. Pranab Mukherjee.

Grateful

Pregnancy was hard, but parenting was harder. Still, with a good doctor, supportive family, and friends, we made it through.

Today, our son is two years old—a joy (tantrums included!). To think we almost ended his life just because it was “sudden.” Instead, we gained a lifelong relationship.

He is not an inconvenience. He is family.