Yuvika Chaudhary shares struggles after conceiving through IVF at 41: ‘I am unable to recognise myself’

In a YouTube video posted on her channel, actor and mom-to-be Yuvika Chaudhary revealed that she has conceived through IVF (In vitro fertilisation) at the age of 41, and opened up about her journey. 

The actor, who is married to actor and host Prince Narula since 2018, mentioned the challenges and emotional turmoil she has faced along the way, just days after the couple shared images of their baby shower. 

“I am unable to recognise myself with each passing day,” she tells her viewers. “Iska bhi ek maza hai, baadmein toh yeh gayab ho jayega (This is also fun, later on it will disappear on its own). So back to the point guys, you all wanted to know how I conceived. Yes, I conceived through IVF. Why did I choose IVF, I will let you all know about it soon. I want to share a lot of things so that ladies don’t suffer the way I did.”

She continued to share how she has been managing two homes, as the couple’s new house is not livable yet. She then went on to describe her struggles, “My timing has been quite off, I wake up in the middle of the night. I woke up at 4 am and had low BP, so I took medicine and rested. Then I suddenly had cramps. So yes, welcome to the new routine. I am thinking of taking a doctor’s appointment today as I need to get a checkup done. I was advised to note down everything I had been facing. There have been changes in my medication and more tablets have been added.”

Many women endure such problems during fertility treatments, often silently. While the physical demands of IVF are well-documented, the psychological and emotional impact can be just as intense, requiring a holistic approach to self-care.

IVF is never 100% successful (Source: Freepik)

Dr Prachi Benara, fertility expert, Birla Fertility and IVF, Gurugram, tells indianexpress.com, “As women age, the quality and quantity of eggs in the ovaries decline drastically, making IVF in their 40s a bit more complex. The success rate of IVF in women in their 40s, compared to women in their 30s, is typically around 30% to 35%.” 

Additionally, she continues, the chances of a healthy pregnancy decline, and the risk of miscarriage increases with age. “The likelihood of miscarriage is as high as 1 in every 4 pregnancies, often due to genetic abnormalities in the embryo, which are directly related to the age of the egg. The possibility of having a child with a genetic condition, such as Down Syndrome, is also higher when the woman is over 40 years old.”

Role of mental health during fertility treatments

It is a fact that whenever the body is under any form of stress, Dr Benara states, it secretes a significant amount of stress hormones to help manage the situation. If this continues over time, “the levels of stress hormones in the body will become elevated, leading to hormonal imbalances that can negatively impact reproductive health and fertility.” Stress is harmful to overall health and well-being, including the reproductive system.

When the body is stressed, even the simple act of intimacy can become difficult for couples. Many couples report being unable to perform due to high levels of stress. Even with advanced techniques like fertility procedures, stress plays a crucial role. Stress destabilises the hormonal balance in the body and can pose a significant challenge to the IVF process.

Some effective strategies for managing stress during IVF treatment

As far as stress management is concerned, Dr Benara advises couples and individuals undergoing the process to thoroughly research IVF centres before choosing one. “It is better to choose a centre with a good reputation, high success rates, transparency, and approachability.”

It is equally crucial to understand the process thoroughly and clarify all doubts, as any surprises can lead to tension during the procedure. When couples are well-informed about the intricacies of the process, managing stress becomes easier. 

IVF is never 100% successful, she asserts, so one must be prepared for both outcomes. Additionally, it is important to stay engaged in work or activities, as overthinking the process can make it more challenging to manage stress. It is recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle, keep oneself distracted, and talk to the experts to navigate the journey.

Maintaining a balanced and healthy routine while dealing with the physical and emotional demands of IVF

According to Dr Benara, “Women undergoing IVF treatment need to follow a balanced diet rich in protein and antioxidants. During this time, alcohol intake, smoking, junk food and food low in fiber should also be avoided. Following a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can contribute to the success of the procedure.”

Furthermore, incorporating simple daily exercises is beneficial for the treatment. IVF does not require bed rest; in fact, some form of low-intensity exercise can help navigate the journey more smoothly.

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