A first-time Nigerian mother, Onyedeke Chidinma Favour, has shared her experience with unexpected financial difficulties during pregnancy, admitting that the challenges changed her perception of couples who solicit financial assistance for hospital bills and baby supplies.

Chidinma explained that before becoming pregnant, she often judged couples who appealed for financial support, believing they should have made adequate preparations for their unborn children during the nine months of pregnancy.

However, after experiencing unexpected setbacks herself, she acknowledged that her earlier opinions were based on ignorance and a lack of understanding of the difficulties some expectant parents face.

Pregnancy setbacks changed her perspective

In a social media post, Chidinma revealed that she and her husband had started saving money for their future children before trying to conceive.

Despite their preparations and financial stability at the time, she said their circumstances changed dramatically midway through her pregnancy.

“There is something called ‘pregnancy hardship or pregnancy setback’. Before I got pregnant, I used to get angry whenever I saw couples asking for funds for hospital bills or to buy baby things,” she wrote.

She admitted that she previously considered such requests irresponsible, believing couples had sufficient time to prepare for the arrival of their children.

“I kept saying to myself that it is irresponsibility from the couple’s part to not have made plans for the unborn child for nine months.

“Whatever it is I said then, I said it out of ignorance because now I know better,” she added.

Scam, job loss and salary reduction worsen situation

According to Chidinma, she and her husband had been financially comfortable before her pregnancy. However, they encountered several unexpected problems that significantly affected their finances.

She disclosed that she fell victim to a scam and lost a substantial amount of money. She also lost her job, while her husband’s employer reportedly reduced his salary.

The combined setbacks made it increasingly difficult for the family to meet its basic needs, including buying food.

“Despite being a successful wife and my husband doing well, the moment I got pregnant, problems that are bigger than us started coming.

“I got scammed and lost so much money. I lost my job.

“My husband’s salary was reduced by his employer. To feed became harder,” she recounted.

Chidinma said the situation left her questioning what she might have done wrong, especially because the difficulties came despite the financial preparations she and her husband had made.

Begins antenatal care at five months

The mother revealed that the financial strain affected her access to essential pregnancy-related care and preparations for her baby’s arrival.

She said she could not afford to register for antenatal care until she was five months pregnant, while her baby’s clothes arrived only a few weeks before delivery.

She also disclosed that, for the first time, she had to borrow money to meet some of her needs.

“I started antenatal at five months because there was no money. My baby’s clothes arrived a few weeks before I delivered.

“For the first time, I had to borrow money, and it wasn’t even funny,” she said.

Despite the difficulties, Chidinma expressed gratitude to God for helping her and her family through the experience.

“I saw hell, but in everything, I thank God for not allowing us to be put to shame,” she added.

Urges Nigerians to show compassion towards struggling parents

Reflecting on her experience, Chidinma urged people to avoid judging expectant parents who seek financial assistance for medical expenses and baby supplies.

She stressed that financial difficulties can arise unexpectedly, even among people who have planned carefully and previously enjoyed financial stability.

“From now henceforth, when you see couples soliciting for help for hospital bills or childcare, please don’t see it like they’re lazy or unprepared. These people tried their best, but pregnancy comes with so many unforeseen circumstances. Thank you,” she wrote.

Her account highlights the financial pressures some families experience during pregnancy and the importance of showing compassion rather than making assumptions about their circumstances.