Phiona Kyeru. Photo/ Courtesy
Former Miss Tourism Uganda Phiona Kyeru has opened up about her pregnancy and childbirth experience, describing it as a difficult but memorable journey that unfolded while she was living abroad and expecting her first child.
In a detailed post shared on Mother’s Day, Kyeru said the date is especially meaningful to her as it also marks her son’s birthday.
She reflected on how the pregnancy was carefully planned but quickly became medically and emotionally demanding.
“Today is Mother's Day and also my son's birthday. So let me tell you about the journey that brought him here. Being my first pregnancy and in a foreign country without a village, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I had morning sickness from day one to the very last... And it wasn't an accident; we had planned this.
"I remember taking folic acid a month before we started trying. On our two-week vacation, we tried for that baby day, lunch time, evening, and night! When I tested positive afterward, it was pure jubilation.”
She said the pregnancy was classified as high-risk at three months, a moment she described as frightening, especially given the effort and preparation that had gone into conceiving.
Kyeru noted that she stopped working entirely during the pregnancy, while her partner took full responsibility for her care, including moving her into a private home and attending every hospital appointment with her.
At 28 weeks, doctors raised concerns that the baby was not gaining enough weight and recommended a caesarean section.
However, she said a later check showed improvement, and the procedure was cancelled after what she described as intense family prayers and support.
Kyeru also shared lighter moments, including strong food cravings and emotional reactions, saying even small disappointments became overwhelming during pregnancy.
She recalled one instance where her partner drove long distances late at night to find fresh food after she rejected frozen meat.
The most dramatic part of her account was her labour experience, which began while she was alone and travelling. She described losing her house keys, running out of phone battery, and experiencing early contractions without immediate help.
She eventually reached a hospital after emergency intervention from staff and her family. She said labour progressed quickly, requiring medical assistance before the birth of her son.
Despite the challenges, Kyeru said she would go through the experience again without hesitation.
“But if you ask me would I do it again? Yes. Without hesitation,” she wrote.
She concluded her message with appreciation for mothers and expectant women, describing motherhood as both difficult and deeply fulfilling, and extended support to women at different stages of the journey.