Sanele: Morning my love.

Mbali blushed when Sanele kissed her shoulder, facing away from her boyfriend as they lay in bed with him spooning her.

Mbali: Morning

She whispered, he kept kissing her sweetly.

Sanele: Your father called.

That made her to wake up fully, but she stayed still in his arms.

Mbali: What was it about?

Sanele: I have to pay damages the upcoming weekend.

Mbali stayed quiet, glad that her father finally called, she was getting worried that he had bailed out, knowing the influence her mother had on her father, she had thought for the worst. But at least he called, even though it's too early to celebrate since her mother could still cause drama this weekend, with that thought she sighed.

Sanele: Why don't you freshen up while I make you and baby boy some breakfast?

Mbali: I'd love that.

Sanele kissed her neck and shoulder one more time before bolting out of the room.

***

Mbali's phone rang as she sat on the couch watching TV cuddled up next to Sanele. They had stayed indoors just like everyday, and decided to Netflix and Chill. She took the ringing device, frowning upon seeing the hospital number, she answered either way.

Mbali: Hello?

Hosp: Miss Mbali Ndlovu?

Mbali: This is she.

Hosp: Mam, I'm calling from the City Hospital, there has been new information regarding your current state and the Dr has requested for your arrival at the City Hospital whenever you can.

Mbali's worried eyes found Sanele's questioning stare, she went back to the woman on the phone.

Mbali: We'll come by sometime tomorrow.

Hosp: Thank you and have a good day.

Hanging up the phone she turned to Sanele.

Mbali: The hospital wants us to come through, apparently there has been new information about the pregnancy.

Worry seeped from her tone as she explained to the father of her unborn baby, it was natural for them to get worried, especially with her health.

Sanele: Come on, let's go.

Mbali: Right now?

Sanele looked exasperated.

Sanele: Yes, right now. I'm not taking chances with your, and the baby's health, so get up we going to see the Dr right now.

Mbali: But-

Sanele: Mbali, this is not up for discussion.

He calmly commanded. She sighed because she knew he wasn't gonna change his mind and he had used the authoritative tone with her.

Mbali: Okay, lets go.

***

Mbali: We here for a checkup, the hospital called earlier.

Rec: Let me inform Mr Ngcobo of your arrival.

A few minutes later, the receptionist directed the couple to the Dr's office, thanking her, they made their way to the office.

The door pushes open, Dr Ngcobo stood up from his chair as soon as he saw the couple, greetings exchanged and the group settled down in their chairs. The Dr sighed and went on.

Dr: The reason I've asked for your presence is that I've done some tests from your last appointment and the results came out, Ms. Mbali it seems that you gonna have a preterm derivation.

Mbali's hands instinctively went to her big belly. Sanele took her hand in his sensing her uneasiness. She calmed down a little.

Mbali: What's the cause of me going into early labor?

Dr: Common causes of preterm birth include multiple pregnancies, infections and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure; however, often no cause is identified. There could also be a genetic influence.

Sanele: So, you did tests and came out with one factor?

Dr: No, well yes but-

Sanele: What is the cause Dr?

Dr: In her case, it could be an infection, such as a urinary tract infection or vaginal infection, can weaken the membranes (linings) of the amniotic sac around your baby. This could lead to premature rupture of the membranes and preterm labor. Problems with the placenta, such as placenta previa or placental separation, may cause preterm labor.

Mbali: Omg! That's bad right?

Sanele: Baby calm down, remember the baby?

Mbali breathed, she knew what UTI was, she had read about it somewhere, it could lead to kidney failure. She started to stress about her health and her baby's health.

Sanele: Speak English Dr.

Sanele did not know anything about pregnancies but he was willing to learn.

Dr: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract the bladder and the urethra.

Dr: Mam, I'm going to need you to calm down, like I said it's not confirmed yet, have you had any symptoms of UTI perhaps?

Mbali thought for a second but came with nothing, shaking her head.

Sanele: She's not a Dr how's she supposed to know which are the symptoms?

Dr: Have you experienced any burning or painful urination?

Mbali: No.

Dr: Nausea or vomiting? Pelvic or lower back pains?

Mbali did feel nauseous and vomited her meal yesterday, she thought it was part of normal pregnancy, although the morning sickness stage had passed, also her back has been killing her, again she had made up her mind that its part of the second trimester.

Mbali: Actually Dr, I have been feeling nauseous lately and last night I had vomited my meal, my back also kills me.

Dr: Well, not to panic because UTIs do not pose any danger to a developing fetus, and the infection is usually asymptomatic during pregnancy (unlike the pain that usually occurs when you get one in a non-pregnant state). So here are ways to prevent it.

The Dr handed her a pamphlet with ways to prevent UTI during pregnancy.

Mbali: As long as my baby is out of danger.

Sanele: The earliest she can give birth is how many weeks?

Dr: Approximately 25-27 weeks, which is in her 5th mon-

Sanele: I know maths Dr.

Dr: Right, just followed the instructions on that pamphlet, I'll also give you some prescription for antibiotics for treatment.

Sanele: Hey, it's okay.

Mbali was now crying, firstly because she really didn't want complications from her pregnancy and her hormones were taking over. Sanele wiped her tears and they got up.

Mbali took the prescription from the Dr and they left for the pharmacy.

***

Sanele: We have nothing to worry about, this UTI bacteria can be treated, just take your medicine on time and practice the prevention procedures and you and the baby will be fine, I promise.

Sanele tried to treasure the now sad Mbali.

Mbali sighed and cuddled closer to Sanele.

Mbali: I'm just scared that's all, I didn't want complications from this pregnancy but now...

She trailed off. Sanele cupped her face and brought her lips to his. His hand rubbed her belly soothingly.

Sanele: So what if you get complications in this pregnancy, the next won't.

She giggled burying her face in his chest.

Mbali: You not getting another 9 months from me, well in this case you getting 27 you what I mean...

She sighed sadly, this was really affecting her. She also didn't want to stress over things out of her control, things that'll lead to more complications in her baby's life.