Barbie tips on her fourth pregnancy

What is the most difficult part of pregnancy for you? And how have you learned to deal with it?
The most difficult has been the first trimester. I could not do anything on my own and was indoors— in my bedroom for four months. During this time, my husband cancelled his shows out of the country because he had to feed me, bathe me, clean the room and take care of the older three children. And since this has happened to me in the past three pregnancies, I learnt to be patient and accept that only time would heal me.

That sounds terrible, but I am glad Bobi was supportive. Did you find there were any other ways to manage the sickness – such as medicine?
No medicines help. It’s all hormonal imbalances. The only medicine was patience from my caregivers and words of encouragement.

Now that you are in your second trimester, how do you stay healthy?
I am in my last trimester. I have a good appetite. I make sure I eat a balanced diet.

Although I have some cravings, there are some types of food I only eat as if it were medicine because I know the baby needs it. I make sure I go to work though my working time has reduced by half, I also do antenatal visits to keep track of the development.
Oh, third trimester, time flies! What kind of food do you eat like medicine?
I don’t like vegetables and fruits. Those I close my eyes and call for company when eating them.
How often do you see the doctor and what are you looking for in development?
I see the doctor once a month since I have no complications. We look at the heart beat, the size and weight of the baby, the brain development, the positioning of the baby, the level of my blood and the amount of water inside. It is quite a lot but very exciting to monitor.
What are your thoughts on spacing, or timing between babies?
It’s very important to space children. It helps the mother heal and get her body back in shape after they had the baby before they get another.

Financially, a family gets he time to save for the next member only if they are spaced. Spacing also gives the baby a chance to get full attention from the parents.
Do you know your due date and the baby’s gender?
I’m due in August, but we have promised ourselves not to ask about the gender. Until then, our shopping is all neutral.
Advice to pregnant Ugandan women and the fathers of their children?
Mothers should regularly visit the gynaecologist’s. Many mothers die during child birth due to reasons that could have been prevented or detected during pregnancy. Fathers MUST be part of this journey. It’s a sensitive and very complicated nine months for your wives and unborn babies.