Chapter 13
Sasuke didn’t know what to expect when it came to Sakura during pregnancy, but so far he has been very confused and worried at the same time. From what Sakura told him, typically a baby bump becomes noticeable during the second trimester, between 16-20 weeks. The body will start showing the baby's growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester. Sasuke didn’t know much about how to handle pregnancy from a husband standpoint so when Sakura would burst into tears over the littlest things he would panic and apologize if he said something wrong. The vomiting she was dealing with was also starting to get better and easier to deal with. Sasuke started to insist on getting inn rooms now so Sakura would be more comfortable. Sakura shut down the suggestion shortly after his statement. She stated she would be just fine and if she wasn't she would tell him.
There were tips Sakura was going off of to deal with camping and traveling while pregnant. She made a list of simple items that would help and keep her healthy while being out. When not traveling she wore more comfortable outfits and shoes since it would make her more comfortable in the long run. Her feet were going to start hurting more eventually and she wanted to ease the pain if she could. Her other items were just sanitary items to make sure she was fresh and not getting sick from not taking care of herself better. Sakura also suggested that if Sasuke had a problem with their sleeping arrangements then he should get an air mattress if he wanted to complain. She then assured him again that it would be okay.
They had a long conversation that Sakura mentioned late at night. It was about her parents. She could barely get her words out at first, but she told him that she didn’t want her parents in their baby’s life. She didn’t want her child to get the same treatment she did. She also knew it would be significantly worse. Their child shouldn’t grow up with negativity from their own grandparents. They would already get negativity from being a Uchiha in the first place. They already talked about how they would tell their child about the past of the clan along with Sasuke’s past. They decided that their child would know of all of this when they completed their first big mission as a shinobi, if they decided to be one at least. Sakura wasn’t going to force their child to be a shinobi if they didn’t want to. Sakura also wanted to raise their child better than her parents did. She grew up with different views that were drilled into her head. They didn’t want their child to be bullied like how Sakura was and they didn’t want their child to lose everything then live their life with vengeance on their mind like Sasuke did.
Sakura’s cravings were interesting. It mostly consisted of black tea and weird combinations of food she would typically eat. If she didn’t get what she wanted, which was incredibly hard, she would get either mad or sad. Sometimes she would play the annoying card, making Sasuke sad since that’s what he would always call her and that made him panic. Along with her cravings she was a lot hornier than she usually was. Sasuke didn’t mind it, but at the same time he did worry. He certainly was getting soft. Love and becoming a parent must do this to you. He wondered how his parents along with his brother would react to the news of him becoming a parent and them being grandparents along with an uncle. They would be happy.
Sakura wished it would be the same for her parents. She knew her parents wanted her to get married and have children, but they didn’t want Sasuke as her person of choice. If she didn’t know any better they were probably going to choose a husband for her and marry her off. That annoyed her terribly to think about.
By the time Sakura and Sasuke found out about their baby’s gender they were a little bit away from a village. Sasuke ended up using his sharingan, which he typically did to make sure their baby was alright, and he made the discovery of them having a girl. He told Sakura almost immediately when he found out. They eventually chose the name Sarada. "Sa" is for Sasuke and Sakura; "Ra" is for Sakura; "Da" is from the kanji of "Ta" from Itachi. They wanted to honor Itachi’s name in a way with their daughter and this was the best way to do it. Sasuke and Sakura were planning to have more children in the future. She always dreamed of a big family when she was younger. By big she means at most two kids.
When Sarada kicked Sakura for the first time her whole world changed and made her whole thought process change. She still couldn’t believe she was carrying a baby with Sasuke being the father. Their little girl would be arriving into their lives around her birthday. It’ll be such an amazing 20th birthday gift. Her hand rested on her slightly swollen stomach as she leaned against Sasuke for comfort. Her smile was as wide as it could be as she fell into slumber against Sasuke’s chest, his cloak wrapped around her for warmth. He kept watch over them just in case. He was more nervous about losing his girls. Now that they were past the point where their daughter was safer and not in the most dangerous stage of pregnancy he didn’t have to worry as much, but he still did.
———-
Back in the hidden leaf things were peaceful. There weren’t any threats to be dealt with so Kakashi's job as Hokage was going smoothly as of right now. The only missions being sent out were the ones for the new genin teams that were formed in the last or so and the chunins. They were simple escort missions and D ranks that were always there. There was a knock at the door before Tsunade came barging into Kakashi’s office. He looked up from his book to see where the noise was coming from.
“Is there something I can do for you, Tsunade? If you’re looking for Shizune, she's at the hospital doing shifts right now. There’s not much for her to do in the Hokage office as of right now.”
“Right, no I’m not here for her. Just wanted to ask if you’ve heard from Sakura.”
Tsunade took a seat across from Kakashi, her arms crossed.
“We heard from Sasuke about a month ago and he said everything was fine. He didn’t give much information, but I assume nothing bad would happen. Sasuke is there to protect Sakura if needed and you know Sakura. She is very stubborn and won’t go down without a fight. Plus it is quite a peaceful time. I doubt that nothing too serious would happen.”
“You’re damn right about that. She takes too much after me, but it’s not the worst thing.”
“You did teach her well.”
“Yeah, something you couldn’t do.”
Tsunade said bluntly. She slightly regretted her words for a moment before she thought about it. Her student that came to her was basically only academy level when she should have training from her jounin sensei.
“I know that face. I saw the hint of regret in your eyes. You’re right. I wasn’t a good sensei to her. You’re the better one. I never paid attention to her besides saving her and I only taught her how to climb a tree. I even left her just like her other teammates did. She must have been in so much pain. I don’t know how she can forgive me.”
“She has a good heart, that's how she forgives you. If she can forgive that Uchiha then she can forgive anyone. Yes, she was also very broken when all of you left her, but she was also a very hard worker. I put her through hell with training, but never once she backed down. So what if she’s very expressive with her emotions that’s what makes her the Sakura we know. She’s also the best of us. She’s already accomplished so much. She just needed guidance. I just hope you realize that she still looks up to you since you’re a good person in her eyes.”
“I still owe her for the mistakes I’ve made. She reminded me too much of Rin. I just couldn’t do it when she was younger, but now I can.”
“That’s a way to look at it. You really seem like you need alcohol.”
“Could use it.”
“Do you still have the stash I had in here or did you throw it out?”
“I didn’t even know there was a stash.”
“Not surprised.”
Tsunade directed Kakashi to where the stash was and as expected it wasn’t touched.
Naruto wasn’t being sent out on missions as of right now so when Hinata officially told him she was pregnant he was able to spend as much time as he could with her. He still had his Hokage training to do. He was overall a very happy man as of right now. He was finally getting the family he always dreamed of when he was younger. Naruto did have a family in team 7, but this one was so much different compared to team 7. In team 7 it contained his brothers, sister, and father figure while Hinata was his wife and now they had a child on the way. Eventually when the time came they found out the gender of what they were having and it was a boy. Having a little boy to look up to his father was a dream and he wished he had that. Now he can do it for his own son. He didn't want his son to be lonely so he wanted at least another sibling for him. That’s what he wanted when he was younger, a family and siblings. Just as Sasuke was, he was very confused with Hinata’s cravings. At least for Naruto he could ask for help. His immediate response was to either ask Iruka or Kakashi what to do. It was difficult at first, but he got the hang of it.
Naruto did wish he would hear from Sasuke and Sakura, but he tried not to worry as much. He knew that they both could handle themselves and if it went south Sasuke could deal with it. He was just happy for his friends that he officially calls his other family. They would be back soon, he hoped at least. He wanted Sakura to help deliver Boruto, the name they came up with for their baby boy.
Shikamaru and Temari had gotten married not long ago. Their wedding was in the hidden sand village. Sakura and Sasuke weren’t able to attend, but it was still a wonderful service. They would be returning shortly after their honeymoon back to the hidden leaf. They had a house already set up for them in the Nara clan so they would be able to return to their new home as soon as possible when they got back. Their honeymoon was set in the hot springs for a few weeks.
Ino and Sai got married as well, but they decided to stay in the hidden leaf and take days off of their work to enjoy themselves. They also had Daku to look after. Daku looked a lot better than he did originally. Sai and Daku got along pretty well, but one could tell Daku missed Sasuke and Sakura. He tried his best by giving him things that smelled like the both of them and transforming into them. It did end up working, which helped the cat. Ino sometimes went with Sai to Sakura’s apartment. Daku grew to like Ino more than he originally did. Ino also had the habit of borrowing things from Sakura and her excuse was she wouldn’t know since she wasn’t here. She always put it back though. She also enjoyed staying in Sakura’s apartment since she really missed her best friend. How was she going to tell her that she found out she was pregnant a few days ago and she was now married. She wanted to brag. To her knowledge, Ino didn’t even know that Sakura was currently pregnant and married.
Peace was looking amazing for everyone as of right now. A few years back they wouldn’t even think this was possible. For Naruto he didn’t want to bring children into a war. He wanted peace for his children. He knew it was the same for his other friends. Their parties were getting smaller each time. That was what growing up was like. When Sasuke and Sakura eventually come back it’ll be back to normal. Along with Shikamaru and Temari everything would be back to normal. Kids would just be in the picture now.
———-
As a doctor Sakura knew what to expect during her second trimester. The second trimester of pregnancy often brings a renewed sense of well-being. The worst of the nausea has usually passed, and the baby isn't big enough to make you too uncomfortable. Yet more pregnancy symptoms are on the horizon. Besides the growing of her breasts and her stomach that wasn’t it. Braxton Hicks contractions were now on the board. She might feel these mild, irregular contractions as a slight tightness in her abdomen. They're more likely to occur in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity or after sex. This could be a sign of preterm labor, but she wouldn’t worry much about it as of right now. The next thing would be skin changes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy stimulate an increase in pigment-bearing cells in your skin. As a result, one might notice brown patches on their face. One might also see a dark line down your abdomen, known as linea nigra. These skin changes are common and usually fade after delivery. Sun exposure, however, can aggravate the issue. She would be fine with the sun exposure since she knew how to deal with that issue. Stretch marks were inevitable and she knew she would get very insecure over them. They would form on her breasts and stomach.
Nasal problems were the next symptom. During pregnancy, the hormone levels increase and the body makes more blood. This can cause the mucous membranes to swell and bleed easily, resulting in stuffiness and nosebleeds. Pregnancy can cause the gums to become more sensitive to flossing and brushing, resulting in minor bleeding. Frequent vomiting could also affect your tooth enamel and make you more susceptible to cavities. Pregnancy can also cause changes in circulation that might leave them dizzy. There were many other symptoms she needed to worry about along with these big ones. She also had to deal with a lot of leg cramps. At least during this trimester she would be less tired and more for traveling.
She reviewed all of this to Sasuke so he would know how to handle it while being out in the wild. Every time they would run into missing ninja Sasuke always took care of it when it came to attacking. He didn’t want Sakura to fight. He knew she could, but he didn’t want to risk anything happening to their baby. Their daughter. Sarada.
Sasuke wouldn't let them sleep outside. They would find a cave to sleep in for the night and if they couldn’t Sasuke could carry her while she was asleep to find somewhere safe. He couldn’t risk it. They always hid her pregnancy under her cloak. Either way it would be dangerous as a pregnant woman out in the middle of woods traveling, but if people recognized her and knew who the father was it would be even harder. It was his job as husband and a father to protect his family.
Another conversation that was brought up late at night was their home situation. The apartment was what they would be calling home until they purchased a new home. They certainly had the money for a big house and that was what they decided on purchasing. Sakura would be able to have an office, they would have a place to store weapons and scrolls, extra storage, at least 4 bedrooms, and multiple bathrooms. Yes, it would be an incredibly big house, but they planned a lot into the future. It was better to be prepared. Sakura preferred to be prepared at least. That house would be located in the old Uchiha compound. They wanted to rebuild the compound for the future of the Uchiha along with the hidden leaf. Perhaps the police station could be rebuilt and anyone would be able to be a part of it. It would benefit the village along with not forcing children at war and to fight again even if they sign up for it. The next generation shouldn’t have to deal with the pain of war. War created the villains they fought along with a lot of pain.
Sometimes Sasuke couldn’t believe it. He was finally happy and living the life his family wanted him to. Sakura was always his first love and it’ll be his last. The same went for Sakura. He didn’t know how he would be as a father, but he knew Sakura would be a great mother. He saw how she acted with kids and it always made his heart melt. Sasuke thought she had the same warmth as his mother and Naruto thought the same with his mother even if he barely had any time with her.
Sometimes he did think about what if things turned out different. What if he did end up killing her when he wasn’t even thinking about it or what if Sakura loved someone else and got over him? His life would be miserable if it were that case. He didn’t even know who he would end up with since he couldn’t imagine himself with anyone else. If it wasn’t Sakura it would be no one. Sakura was his home.
When the third trimester came along, Sakura, as she expected, was quite big. The third trimester marks the home stretch, as they prepare for the delivery of Sarada. She has been preparing herself mentally for a while, but it’ll be different once it happens. As of now, the fetus is continuing to grow in weight and size, and the body systems finish maturing. She’ll continue having Braxton-Hicks contractions. In the third trimester, some women become increasingly uncomfortable as their due date nears. As the fetus grows in size and crowds the abdominal cavity, some mothers-to-be have difficulty taking deep breaths or getting comfortable at night for sleep, while others are free from any discomfort as they anxiously await the arrival of their new son or daughter. Sakura warned Sasuke about this, but every time something would happen he would freak out.
Fetuses radiate body heat, which causes increased skin temperature. Blood pressure may decrease as the fetus presses on the main vein that returns blood to the heart. Increased urinary frequency returns due to increased pressure being placed on the bladder as well. Her skin was also very itchy. She also had no sex drive at all, which normally someone could complain about but it didn’t bother Sasuke much. It wasn’t like they wouldn’t have sex for a long time.
During the third trimester, the fetus continues to grow in size and weight. The lungs are still maturing, and the fetus begins to position itself head down. By the end of the third trimester, the fetus is about 19 to 21 inches long and weighs, on average, 6 to 9 pounds. Fetal development during the third trimester includes:
•The fetus can see and hear.
•The brain continues to develop.
•The kidneys and lungs continue to mature.
•By the 36th week, the head may “engage” (drop into the pelvic area), a process called lightening.
•The bones of the skull remain soft to make it easier to pass through the birth canal.
•For many babies, the irises of the eyes are slate blue. The permanent eye color will not appear until several days or weeks after birth.
•The fetus can suck its thumb and has the ability to cry.
•By 38 to 40 weeks, the fetus’ lanugo (fine, soft hair on the body and limbs) has disappeared almost completely.
•By 38 to 40 weeks, the lungs have matured completely.
•The baby is covered in vernix caseosa (or simply called vernix), a creamy, protective coating on the skin.
•The head will usually turn downward during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy.
That was what Sakura told him at least and from what he read from the pregnancy pamphlet he took from a village they passed through. If he was going to be honest he copied all of this information with his sharingan. They could still lose the baby if anything were to happen. He couldn’t afford that and he knew it would completely destroy Sakura. If he didn’t destroy Sakura with all the pain he put her in then this certainly would. The loss of a child was always a terrible loss to the mother as well as the father, but it is different for the mother. He remembered a conversation he heard when he was younger with his mother and aunt. He didn’t understand at that time, but now that he was older and experiencing fatherhood for himself he could understand. He didn’t want to go through that since he knew it would probably put him back down on the wrong path. Then once again he would hurt Sakura. What a terrible husband he would be.
Her ankles were very swollen and she could barely walk without complaining. Her wrists would also do the same. That also didn’t help with the leg cramps. Due to her stomach size backaches were also in effect. They were making their way back to the hidden leaf since Sakura’s due date was in a week. She was having fake contractions quite a lot, but her water still has not broken yet. She didn’t know how much longer she could walk and take this. So, Sasuke did what he had to do. He ended up in one of Orochimaru’s laboratories. It was near the hidden leaf, but it was still quite a way from it. They didn’t want to risk it.
He flared his chakra signature, hoping for a certain someone to find them. Even if he didn’t like Karin the best she would be the most helpful in this situation. As expected, Karin came running out.
“Sasuke-kun?! What are you doing here? I never expected to see you here again and why is Sakura with you? I can tell she is distressed, what is going on? Can’t you just take her somewhere else.”
“Karin.”
“What?”
“She is pregnant.”
“Huh? Why the hell are you out here then?”
Karin led Sasuke and Sakura to a room where she could rest. Sasuke stood next to her, hand on her shoulder.
“It’s too far to go back to the village from here. Can’t Sakura just rest here?”
“Well, I don’t mind, but this is Orochimaru’s hideout and not a hospital!”
“In this case, I am asking you to help her. We will leave after that.”
“Sasuke! You could find a hospital in the village nearby! Why did you even bother coming to this hideout? Besides, this place is underneath his control. Giving birth here is a terrible place. Just because it’s a lab doesn’t make it a place to do this.”
“I trust you.”
This statement made Karin blush. She quickly composed herself as she continued to listen to his statement,
“Heh, I came here because this is important to me and Sakura trusts you. I want what is best for my wife and in this situation it is the best.”
Karin scoffed,
“That’s rich coming from someone who betrayed me. You don’t have the right to talk about trust, but whatever. I’ll take care of her, don't worry. It won’t be my fault if she feels uncomfortable here. A lot of things happen here that she wouldn’t like at all. Now I need to talk to Sakura about how she is right now.”
Sasuke walked off, leaving Sakura and Karin in the room with each other. It has been a long time since they’ve seen each other. With her arms crossed, Karin looked down at the pink haired girl in the hospital bed.
“Well then, if you’re traveling together you guys do this sort of thing?”
Sakura put her hands up in defense and started to make a statement.
“It kinda just happened it was her birthday and it wasn't exactly planned, but I’m happy.”
“It’s none of my business about the details. It’s fine. You guys are married so it is normal.”
Sakura being Sakura she then asked her a question,
“Hey, Karin. I know it is personal, but why do you like Sasuke-kun?”
“WHAT! Why would you even ask that? Why would I even tell you?”
“Why not? It’s normal for girls to talk about this sort of thing. I do this with my best friends Ino and Hinata back in the hidden leaf. I just want to know what you see in him.”
“Well, during the chunin exams Sasuke-kun saved me from a bear in the forest of death.”
“Huh, you were also there? That makes sense. I see. So you’ve been in love with him for a long time. Why did you let those feelings go in the first place?”
“W-why would you even ask? You are married to him. Why would you want someone in love with your husband? It would not be possible to be connected to him anymore.”
“Why do you say that? There are other connections you have with him. Just because they aren’t romantic doesn’t mean anything. All of them are special. They aren’t weak. I may be his wife, but I can’t get between some connections he has and the same goes for him.”
Karin chose not to say anything and listen to Sakura.
“I can’t get between his brothership with Naruto. That’s the same with Ino for me. You are Sasuke-kun’s teammate for a while. You fought with him and saved his life on multiple occasions. That sort of connection is not replaceable. It’s not romance but like I said it’s still special. Don’t destroy his connection with you just because I’m married to him. The team you guys have meant a lot to him.”
Sakura smiled at her. This whole conversation made her tear up.
“Do you know you really are the person for Sasuke? The connection I have with him is way different than yours. No matter how much I tried. He always stayed distant. He was also in a very dark place and it was also scary, but now Sasuke-kun decided to settle down and have a family with you. So I’m going to protect you because I want him to be happy too.”
“Great! Let’s agree on that!”
After their conversation Karin began to monitor Sakura’s condition. She could give birth any minute.