Online Reporter
Faith Ndlovu
In a heart-warming tale of faith, resilience, and medical marvel, Bulawayo model Ashley Sibonginkosi Ncube has shared her incredible journey of becoming a mother despite being diagnosed with a 15cm fibroid that threatened her fertility.
Uterine fibroids are growths made of muscle and tissue that form in or on the wall of a uterus.
A fibroid measuring 15cm is considered very large and may lead to symptoms like heavy periods and potentially impacting fertility.
Ncube, who holds the title of Miss Hillside 2023 and is a Miss Nature 2024 semi-finalist, revealed that she was diagnosed with the fibroid in May last year after experiencing severe waist pains.
The diagnosis was devastating, with medical professionals warning her that the fibroid had blocked her uterus and that her chances of having children were slim.
“I felt like my world had collapsed. I didn’t even know what fibroids were, and hearing that I might not be able to have children was heart-breaking,” she said.
The diagnosis also put a strain on Ncube’s relationship.
Despite the odds, her partner stood by her, and together they found solace in prayer and support from family and friends.
In a surprising turn of events, she discovered she was pregnant, despite the medical warnings.
“My partner is a deep cultural Sotho man, so in my mind, I concluded that there was no way his family was going to let him be with a barren woman. This frustrated me as I thought our relationship would be over .”
“One day I went to visit my doctor only to discover that I was pregnant. I was shocked and asked her how it was possible. She showed me the pregnancy test results, and that is when I knew that this was a miracle,” said Ncube.
Ncube’s immediate joy was tempered by fear. Throughout her pregnancy, she lived with the constant anxiety of the possibility of losing her baby.
However, in a remarkable twist, Ncube gave birth to a bouncing baby boy via Caesarean section at a local hospital without having the fibroid removed.
The baby’s arrival was a testament to Ncube’s resilience and faith in God.
“I was always in fear of losing my baby, but I held on to my faith and the support of my loved ones. Then boom! I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. It was a moment of pure joy and relief.
“I want to encourage every woman out there dealing with a situation like mine or worse to keep their head held high. Nothing is too big for God,” she said.
derick.khumalo