Starting Over

Chapter 24- Do What?

“The test results are back,” the doctor said to Bridget and I, “The good thing is that it’s not the flu. Bridget, you are pregnant, but it looks as if you are suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarum, or severe morning sickness.”

“Do what?” Bridget questioned the doctor in shock.

“Luckily I won’t have to admit you for dehydration. I will give you some Phenergan for the next few days, but you will need to see your OB/GYN for further treatment. Didn’t you say you have been sick as well?” the doctor directed to me.

“Yes,” I told him, “Every day for the past few days. The doctor I saw has no clue why.”

“I believe you are suffering from couvade syndrome. Your doctor would have to run tests and check for other possibilities, but I’m almost 100% sure that’s why you’ve been sick,” the doctor told me.

“What is couvade syndrome?” I asked.

“I’m sorry,” the doctor apologized, “Sympathetic pregnancy. It’s when a partner experiences some of the same symptoms and behavior of an expectant mother. Basically, if I’m correct even though neither of you knew of Bridget’s pregnancy your body sensed it and has reacted towards it.”

“This can’t be possible,” Bridget stated, “It’s only been a couple of weeks. I can’t be pregnant.”

“I assure you, you are pregnant. A blood test reveal hCG levels in one to two weeks,” the doctor informed Bridget, “Congratulations.”

The doctor left the room and I looked at Bridget. She was crying. Why was she crying? This was a happy moment. We were adding to our family. I went to her and pulled her into my arms.

“Baby, why are you crying?” I asked.

“I’m pregnant,” she said barely audible through her sobs.

I still couldn’t figure out why this was so upsetting to her. The nurse came in with her prescription and discharge papers. Before long we were heading home. The ride home was nauseating, but only because I had no clue why Bridget was so upset. When we arrived Bridget went straight to our room, completely ignoring Tia, who was sitting in the living room with the boys.

“What’s wrong with Bridget?” Tia questioned me as Bridget went up the stairs.

“Our family is expanding,” I told her while gesturing to a growing belly knowing we weren’t ready to tell the boys.

“Congratulations,” Tia exclaimed with a smile.

“Thank you,” I replied politely, “But Bridget isn’t taking the news too well. I’m not sure why though. You mind keeping an eye on the kids so I can talk to her?”

“Go on. The boys are fine,” Tia told me as I started up the stairs.

When I walked into our room, I didn’t see Bridget at first, but I heard her. She was slouched down in the chair in the corner with it turned towards the open window. I evidently was quiet when I came into the room because she didn’t move.

“I just don’t know what to do. I want to be happy. I am madly in love with the man of my dreams and we are expecting our first child, but I just feel like it’s just all wrong. I always said I would be married if I had any more kids. And honestly, I never thought I would have any more kids anyway. I know we are engaged, but at this point there’s no way we could be married before the baby is here. It just won’t happen. Not with the schedule that Luke has. There’s no time until this winter. And I’m not going to be fat and ugly on my wedding day,” Bridget spoke through the tears to her angels in the sky.