An emotional Sunita Ahuja opens up about the birth of son Yashvardhan and Govinda’s unforgettable reaction: ‘Those days, sex detection test was legal’

In her previous interviews, Sunita has also spoken about spending time alone, even on important occasions. In one such interview with Curly Tales, she revealed that she celebrates her birthdays alone, sharing, “I spent a lot of time raising my children and Govinda too (laughs!) I tell every woman that she should take time out for herself too. It’s not just about the husband and the children. When will you live for yourself? I travel solo on my birthday every year. It’s been 12 years.”

But what does this reveal about how family or societal expectations can shape a woman’s identity and decision-making during vulnerable moments like childbirth?

Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, “Sunita’s story shows how deeply family and social expectations can influence a woman’s choices. In her case, the pressure of giving her husband a son became more important than her own life.” 

Psychologically, she notes that this occurs when a woman begins to define herself primarily through the roles of wife or mother. “In moments as vulnerable as childbirth, these expectations can push women into self-sacrificing decisions, where keeping others happy feels more valuable than protecting their own safety.”

How do body image concerns, weight gain, and health fears during pregnancy affect a woman’s mental well-being and her ability to cope emotionally?

“Sunita’s fear during pregnancy also speaks to the mental strain many women go through,” notes Gurnani. Gaining weight is natural, but because society links a woman’s worth to her body, being 100 kgs left her anxious and afraid. Added to that was the very real fear of health complications. 

She mentions, together, these worries can “create constant stress, anxiety, and even sadness, making it harder for women to emotionally cope or enjoy their pregnancy.” What’s needed here is reassurance, support, and normalising the changes that come with bringing a child into the world.