Isha Ambani, the daughter of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani and a successful businesswoman herself, recently opened up about her journey with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive her twins. In a candid interview with Vogue India, Isha shared her experiences, aiming to break the taboos surrounding IVF and infertility treatments.
Breaking Taboos and Normalizing IVF
In her interview, Isha Ambani emphasized the importance of normalizing IVF. She mentioned that she is always quick to share that her twins were conceived through IVF. “Nobody should feel isolated or ashamed,” she said, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges that accompany the process. “It’s a difficult process. When you’re going through it, you’re physically exhausted.”
Isha believes that modern technology should be embraced for family planning, rather than something to be hidden. She encouraged others to seek support groups and talk to other women who have undergone similar experiences. “If there is modern technology in the world today, why not use it to have children? It should be something you’re excited about, not something you should have to hide.”
What Are the Chances of Having Twins Through IVF?
The desire for twins is common among many prospective parents, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF increase the likelihood of conceiving twins. While the natural likelihood of having twins is approximately 6%, the chances rise significantly with IVF. According to Dr Sangeeta Raodeo, Consultant Gynecology & Obstetrics, Fortis Hospital Mulund, around 20-25% of IVF pregnancies result in twins.
Understanding Twin Pregnancy in IVF
Twin pregnancies in IVF primarily occur because multiple embryos are often transferred into the uterus to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. This practice, while effective, can lead to the implantation of more than one embryo, resulting in twins or even higher-order multiples.
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Risks Associated With Twin Pregnancy
Despite the appeal of having twins, specialists often caution against pursuing twin pregnancies through IVF due to the associated risks. Here are some potential complications:
Pre-eclampsia
Twin pregnancies can increase the risk of high blood pressure, oedema, and urinary protein excretion, potentially leading to pre-eclampsia, a severe condition that can be life-threatening for both mother and babies.
Increased Likelihood of C-section
Twin pregnancies often necessitate cesarean sections, which come with higher risks of haemorrhaging and greater blood loss compared to vaginal births.
Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight
Twins are more likely to be born prematurely and at a lower birth weight, which can lead to various health complications.
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
This condition occurs when one twin receives more blood than the other, leading to disparities in blood volume that can affect both babies’ health.
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Intrauterine Growth Restriction
This complication arises when one or both babies do not grow at the expected rate, resulting in potential health issues due to slow development.
Bottomline
Isha Ambani’s openness about her IVF journey sheds light on the challenges and considerations of using assisted reproductive technologies. While IVF can significantly increase the chances of conceiving twins, it is essential to be aware of the associated risks. As more people share their experiences, the hope is to normalise IVF and provide support to those undergoing this journey.