Weeks go by and Mpho notices changes in her body. She is starting to gain weight and she is moody. She cries sometimes for nothing and gets sick very often.

One morning she can’t stop vomiting and decides to go to the clinic. It is time to face her fear.

When she gets there she finds that it is flooded with people. The receptionist does not look friendly. “Young woman, how can I help you?” she asks brusquely. Mpho struggles for words. “Umm, I am here to do a pregnancy test,” she says quietly.

“You girls are shameless.” The receptionist clicks her tongue. “What were you thinking?” Mpho feels tears pricking her eyes. The people in the waiting room stare at her, making her more embarrassed than she already is, as she takes a seat to wait.

“Okay, girly. Go to room five,” the receptionist says, after what feels like forever.

“Young lady, how can I help you today?” the nurse asks when Mpho enters her room. She is smiling and friendly.

“I … I … I am here for a pregnancy test,” Mpho mutters, looking at the floor.

“It’s okay ntombi yam. Come and sit here. I will explain all that you have to do. Don’t cry, you are going to be fine,” says the nurse.

The nurse gives Mpho a container to collect her urine. When Mpho comes back from the toilet the nurse dips the testing strip into the container. They both watch in anticipation as the seconds tick by. After three minutes the nurse takes the strip out and they both look at it. Two red lines have appeared. She looks at Mpho, who is trembling with nerves.

“Young lady, it looks like you are pregnant. But we will need to do a blood test to make sure.” She sounds concerned.

“I am pregnant?” Mpho has suspected for some time, but still she can’t accept that it is true.

“Yes, dear you probably are,” says the nurse. “I know you are frightened right now. It’s a shock. I recommend you come back soon. Make an appointment for prenatal counselling and more information. You can get support and guidance. You need to know your options.”

Mpho leaves the room in shock after she has done the blood test. Questions flood her mind. How is she going to raise her baby? How did she get to where she is? Will Tony support her? How will she tell her parents? Should she keep the child? It all seems overwhelming for her as she heads home.

***

Tell us what you think: What, in fact, are Mpho’s options if she is pregnant?