Mariyam Nafees recently shared her thoughts on her pregnancy, explaining that after three years of enjoying their marriage, she and her husband Amaan Ahmed decided it was the right time to start a family.
Appearing on Nida Yasir’s show Good Morning Pakistan, Nafees, who announced her pregnancy in November, spoke about her love for children but also her initial apprehension about having her own. She clarified that it wasn’t fear, but rather mixed feelings about how things would unfold, especially considering her career, which involves being in the public eye.
Nafees mentioned the changes that come with pregnancy, such as weight gain, which she had never experienced before, and how she found herself wondering about the bloating. She also touched on how pregnancy can affect various aspects of life, including relationships, and how certain challenges, such as difficulty praying namaz, morning sickness, and lethargy, are often not openly discussed.
She expressed admiration for women who continue to work through pregnancy, citing Nida Yasir’s experience with morning sickness while hosting a show. Regarding staying active, Nafees shared that her gym trainer friend recommended continuing her pre-pregnancy exercises, with some modifications. She emphasized that every pregnancy is different and it’s essential to follow a doctor’s advice.
“I’ve been very active throughout my pregnancy. I’ve walked 15 to 20,000 steps daily, traveled, and continued my production work,” Nafees explained, adding that she didn’t cancel any commitments because of her pregnancy.
She also spoke about the societal shyness surrounding pregnancy, particularly the decision to keep it private until the “safe zone” due to concerns about the evil eye. “Why do I have to hide my bump?” she questioned, stressing that pregnancy should be celebrated, not hidden. She added that she was proud of the journey and wanted to share it with people who were genuinely happy for her.
Nafees also highlighted her husband’s unwavering support during the pregnancy, noting that he made it a point to attend all her doctor appointments, even taking time off from work. This support made her appreciate him even more, especially when she saw some women attending appointments alone.
She also criticized clinics that didn’t allow fathers to be present during scans, emphasizing that the bond between father and child should begin before birth. She expressed how joyful it was for her husband to be able to join her during the scans, which made the experience even more special.