Nigerian Lawyer Shares Emotional Journey to Motherhood After Five Years of Waiting

A Nigerian lawyer, Stella, has shared her emotional experience of struggling to conceive for five years after getting married as a law undergraduate.

In a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday, January 31, Stella recounted how family members speculated about her inability to conceive. Some accused her of taking birth control pills, while others criticized her husband for marrying her.

Despite her desire to have children, the intense stress of studying law contributed to the delay in her conception.

Stella noted that after completing her undergraduate studies, she thought law school would bring her the opportunity to conceive. However, the stress continued.

It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic—which forced her into a more relaxed lifestyle—that she finally conceived in August 2020 and gave birth to a son. Today, she is a proud mother of two boys.

Reflecting on her journey, Stella emphasized the negative impact of stress on fertility, particularly emotional stress. She urged women trying to conceive to prioritize their mental and physical well-being, stating:

"STRESS is also a DISEASE. PLEASE, if you are an EXPECTANT MOTHER, avoid UNNECESSARY STRESS."