Mazanick - Texts
Sample texts for weeks 12-15
These text messages are the first iteration of prototyping weeks 12-15 in a young woman's pregnancy. For the first drafts we decided to not worry about character limits too much so that we could get the content in there and trim them down later. The texts were shown to 10 persons (University of Nairobi students, nurses, gynecologists, teenage pregnancy workers, coaches and class "experts") for feedback.
Week 12
- Baby Rita can now clench her fist and is getting ready to breast feed by making sucking movements. As your body starts changing you will need bigger clothing. Start thinking about how to get a top that will fit the both of you!
- Baby Rita is starting to move around, though you can't feel it yet. In a few months you'll be able to see her move next to you. You can help her grow strong by keeping yourself healthy. Listen to your body and make sure you have time to rest.
- Hi Prudence. Your placenta which is feeding baby Rita is also producing a hormone that might give you heartburn. You can reduce the discomfort by drinking less coffee, tea and soda.
Week 13
- Baby Rita’s skin is still thin but she now has fingerprints on the tips of her fingers. Soon the world will also be at her fingertips. She’ll need strong bones to run and play. Drink a glass of milk to give her enough calcium to grow.
- Baby Rita now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. One day she will be a mother too. Help her grow into a strong woman by taking 5 tablespoons of protein daily. Beans, nuts, meat and eggs provide good protein for her to build muscles.
- Hi Prudence, your breasts have started making colostrum. This will feed Rita for a few days before milk begins to flow. She’ll need you then as she needs you now. Stay healthy by taking 27g iron to prevent anaemia.
Week 14
- Baby Rita is learning how to squint, frown and grimace. Soon after she is born you will get to see her first smile. Being pregnant can be worrisome, but keep yourself smiling too! Daydream a little, and focus on the moments you are looking forward to sharing with Rita.
- Baby Rita is developing her kidneys which will protect her body from toxins as she grows up. For now she needs you to shelter her and keep her body safe. Stay away from tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Anything that enters your body will also end up in hers.
- Hi Prudence, congratulations on entering your second trimester! You will start feeling stronger again soon if you haven't already. Take advantage by staying physically active - maybe go for a walk and show Rita around the neighborhood?
Week 15
- Baby Rita’s eyes are still closed but she can sense light. You’ll feel her moving around. Start counting how many times you feel her moving each day so that you can tell Nurse Msengeti at your visit in 5 days.
- Hi Prudence, arrange transport for your clinic visit in 3 days! You’re probably not feeling tired or sick any more. If your nose feels blocked, it’s because of hormone changes and more blood flow. Baby Rita is also using her nose—to practice breathing and develop her lungs.
- Baby Rita is now big enough to see on an ultrasound at the clinic. You should come talk to Nurse Msengeti to make sure Rita has all she needs. Your visit is in 5 days. Start talking to Rita as you prepare for the visit. Read the newspaper to her, share a secret with her or tell her some gossip about the neighbours.
Text Translations into Sheng and Swahili
After narrowing our set of samples to the two favored texts, we got translations into Sheng and Kiswahili from David Chilongo. The choice of two text was based on showing how the range of information and directives provided to Prudence varied over the course of her pregnancy, from sign up to the week leading up to a visit. Our communication with David went as follows:
The translations - both Sheng and Swahili. You'll notice the Sheng includes some English words, which is just how Sheng is done - we mix it up as we go... I honestly have no ideas for a unisex baby name... you could replace mtoi (baby) for "supuu" in the Sheng version, but that's a pet name for girls - that could be used either for a baby girl or a girlfriend depending on context...
Week 12
- Hi Prudence. Baby Imani is learning to make a fist and needs 5 tablespoons of protein daily from beans, nuts, meat and eggs. Hold your belly to comfort her.
- (Sheng)Vipi Prudence, mtoi karibu anaanza kugota, hakikisha umpe vijiko tano za maharagwe, njugu, nyama na mayai daily. Na upapase tumbo masaa zake kumtuliza.
- (Swahili) Habari Prudence? Imani anajifunza kukunja ngumi na anahitaji vijiko tano za protini kutoka kwa maharagwe, njugu, nyama na mayai. Shika tumbo lako kumtuliza.
Week 15:
- Baby Imani now senses light and will move around. Count how many times you feel her move each day and tell Nurse Mahu at your visit in 5days. Arrange transport.
- (Sheng) Imani ashaanza kuhisi light na ataanza kusonga songa. Hesabu mara ngapi atasonga kila siku na uambie Nurse Mahu ukimcheki in 5days. Usisahau kupanga transi.
- (Swahili) Imani anaanza kuhisi mwangaza na ataanza kusonga songa. Hesabu mara ngapi atasonga kila siku na uambie mwuguzi Mahu ukimwona baada ya siku tano zijazo. Usisahau kupanga safari.
Some variations offered by Kate Matu and Steven Opisa, on this last text:
- Steven, Swahili:
- Imani ashaanza kuhisi mwangaza na ataanza kusonga. Hesabu mara ngapi atasonga kila siku na ueleze Mwuguzi Mahu baada ya siku tano. Panga usafiri.
- Kate, Swahili:
- Imani anaanza kuhisi nuru na ataanza kusonga.Hesabu mara ngapi atasonga kila siku na uambie mwuguzi Mahu siku tano kabla ya kumwona.Usisahau kupanga safari.
*mtoi is just sheng for child/baby
**tano == 5 (regular swahili)
THANKS to David, Kate and Steven for all the help with translations!