Isha Ambani opens up about conceiving twins through IVF: ‘When you’re going through it, you’re physically exhausted’

Not just Isha, her mother and business tycoon Nita Ambani also had Isha and her brother Akash through the procedure.

“If there is modern technology in the world today, why not use it to have children?” Isha added.

Much like the billionaire heiress pointed out, modern technology has made it possible for many couples struggling with fertility issues to start a family. Yet, adopting alternate ways of pregnancy is often met with judgment and stigma, say experts.

Palshetkar said that generally patients who have had multiple pregnancies failed IVF cycles or are older in age, are the ones who have more embryos put in them. (Source: Freepik)

Why don’t we talk about IVF as much?

“In our country, not having a child is considered a taboo. Infertility is as common as people reporting diabetes, and we need to take it matter of fact,” said Dr Nandita Palshetkar, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, Director of Bloom IVF India & President of IVF Society of India (ISAR).

This is why, said Dr Palshetkar, people hesitate to disclose their IVF journey. “I really applaud Isha Ambani for coming out and saying that she had IVF babies because it should not be stigmatised,” she said.

Dr Palshetkar added couples are often apprehensive of opening up about their battle with infertility fearing judgment “further making it difficult for women to share their trials and tribulations.”

The expert also mentioned that hormone injections given during the procedure make women labile, and they need a lot of empathy and support from their family and friends during this phase.

Is it common to conceive twins or triplets through IVF?

“90% of mothers have a single baby, and 10% report twins and triplets. In most cases, people don’t announce that they’ve had IVF babies,” she shared.

She explained that most treatment facilities and experts aim to give their clients single babies because it’s easier and less trouble for the mother. “It reduces their chances of developing higher blood pressure, diabetes, or pre-term delivery. So they try and put in a single embryo,” she said.

Explaining the process to us, Palshetkar said that generally patients who have had multiple pregnancies, failed IVF cycles, or are older, are the ones who have more embryos put in them.