Your Journey to Parenthood: IVF Treatment Explained

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most common and effective assisted reproductive technologies (ART) available today. For many couples struggling with infertility, IVF offers a beacon of hope in their journey to parenthood. But what exactly is IVF, and how does it work? In this blog, Dr. Shobha Gupta, a leading IVF specialist, explains the process in simple terms to help you understand its benefits and steps.

What is IVF?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a medical procedure in which an egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a laboratory setting. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then implanted into the woman’s uterus to achieve pregnancy. IVF can be a helpful solution for individuals or couples facing infertility issues, including blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, ovulatory problems, or unexplained infertility.

Key Steps in the IVF Process

1. Ovarian Stimulation

   • The first step involves stimulating the

Lifestyle changes could improve fertility

Many a times we have heard it that a small change in lifestyle could improve your chances of conceiving. But it is applicable to both the partners because for getting pregnant you don’t only need a healthy body weight but you need a healthy sperm too. By adopting these simple lifestyle changes, you can ensure you are giving yourself and your partner the best chance of conceiving. 

As a woman, it is important to make healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy. But you may be less familiar with lifestyle choices that can improve fertility same as for men; to make your wife pregnant requires healthy sperm, but your sperm may only be as healthy as you are. So, here am sharing few tips that can help you maximize the chances of successful pregnancy by adopting these healthy habits: 

• First of all it is important to maintain a healthy body weight: Both men and women should maintain a healthy body weight when trying to conceive. For women, too much or too little body fat can upset your cycle and interfere with ovulation, so maintaining a healthy BMI of 20-25 is really important. Men with a BMI of over 30 are also likely to have lower fertility than normal. To maintain weight as well

Important things to know about your fertility

By Dr. Shobha Gupta 

India has a population of over 1.2 billion; the number of Indians suffering from infertility is huge. An estimated one in seven couple in India have fertility problems and mostly there is no known medical explanation and it is also believed that 10% of the general population suffers from some form of infertility. So, get educated and take control of your fertility. 

Do take note of the following points: 

1. Don’t be too fit to be pregnant: Yes you heard it right, do not be too fit; It is indeed very important to be healthy, but excessive exercise can negatively affect fertility in both men and women. A recent research conducted in US examining 2,232 women undergoing IVF treatment found that women who engaged in cardiovascular exercise for four hours or more per week prior to the treatment had a 40 per cent decrease in live birth rate. Men need to be aware of testicular heat negatively affecting their fertility, too. 

2. Don't rely on your pee. Be cautious when relying on urinary LH detection (ovulation) kits alone. The quality of cervical mucus falls rapidly as progesterone rises in response to the LH surge. Hence by the time the LH is detected by urinary ovulation kits, the cervical mucus quality may

Laughter is the best infertility medicine

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

It is tested and proven that Laughter is the best medicine for many different reasons. Anything that gets you laughing is good for your mind and your body. Voluntary laughter provides the same physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter. Stress & depression are known to be factors affecting infertility in both men & women. Laughter or humour therapy reduces stress, pain, depression, anxiety & tension caused due to infertility and it releases the endorphins which are also known as happy hormones which further improves fertility.

A recent study has been conducted in UK which says that Laughter may increase probability of IVF pregnancy. Researchers have found out that pregnancy rate almost doubled when a 'medical clown' visited the clinic after embryo transfer. 36 percent of women who were entertained just after the embryos were transferred fell pregnant

Watch your Blood Pressure if you are pregnant

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder characterized by the presence of high-blood pressure and high protein levels in the urine (proteinuria) during pregnancy. 

According to data collected by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) shows that pregnancy-induced high blood which is responsible for 12% of maternal deaths in India, is the leading cause of maternal mortality

The first symptoms of Pre-eclampsia include high blood pressure and a high level of protein in the urine. Pre-eclamptic women also often have swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. This condition is said to appear during the second half of pregnancy, often in the latter part of the second or early third trimesters. However, it can occur earlier too.

If this condition goes unnoticed, pre-eclampsia can lead to a more complicated condition called eclampsia that can put the mother and baby’s life at risk. In rare cases, pre-eclampsia can cause death. Women with pre-eclampsia who have seizures are considered to have pre-eclampsia.

About 10% pregnant women are detected to be suffering from pre-eclampsia. Headache, overall swelling and dizziness are other symptoms. However, not all pregnant women with these symptoms are pre-eclamptic. There is no way to treat the illness per say. Delivering the baby is usually the only cure. Usually this condition automatically

A Testimonial

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Mrs & Mr. Amaral from Portugal

It feels really nice to get praised for your work done. This was really a great start of the day; sharing here a kind message from my patient from Portugal.

From Mrs. and Mr. Paulo Amaral, Portugal

When we contacted you for the first time, we were looking forward to a long-held dream: to have a second child. Nine months later, you gave us a wonderful gift, so precious and sweet! Bernardo, born in Delhi on May 3rd, is healthy and beautiful boy, growing well every day.

We deeply thank Mother’s Lap IVF team; you have done an amazing job. We’d like to particularly thank Dr. Shobha Gupta and Dr. Kuldeep Raj for their medical expertise. These were members of the team whom we saw on a daily basis and whom we became particularly close to during our stay in India. 

Besides the medical miracle, your support during the past 9 months was very much-appreciated. So, we’d also like to thank all the other people (nurses and support staff) who all played such an important part in Bernardo’s beginning!

The attention given to us, regarding timely answers, the methodology (the fact you use more than one surrogate increases chances of pregnancy) and the cost was reasonable. We always felt more than just a “client”, the treatment was always very professional and sensitive, making us feel comfortable, understood and supported. We would be happy to make reference to your services to other couples in similar situation.

We also want to express our thanks and appreciation for the wonderful treatment and care you all showed to us following Bernardo’s birth. You demonstrated your total commitment

Some FAQs about Pre-eclampsia

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Pre-eclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a woman whose blood pressure had been normal. Even a slight rise in blood pressure may be a sign of pre-eclampsia. If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious even fatal complications for both you and your baby. 

Here are few common questions asked by patients, please have a look at it for awareness. 

Q.1 How common is pre-eclampsia in Indian women?

Ans. Pre-eclampsia is common in Indian women, affecting between two to eight in 100 women during pregnancy. Around one in 200 women (0.5%) develop severe pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Stress of metro cities is the major cause.

Q.2 Is the percentage on a rise due to changes in lifestyle?

Ans. Pre-eclampsia is on rise these days, yes lifestyle as we'll as late pregnancies responsible for this. 

Q.3 What are the causes of the increase, if any?

Ans. Mainly lifestyle plays a very important role in it. Obesity, stressed life, diabetes, late age of conception, previous history, family history of hypertension responsible for this. Sudden weight gain, pedal swelling, headache,

Winter and pregnancy care

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Pregnancy is the hormonal, metabolic and physiological changes in your center of gravity that make you tired and sick sometimes if not well taken care. When you are pregnant you need to take some extra care during winters. Pregnant women may feel less cold as compared to non-pregnant ladies because of higher rate of metabolism. But need of being careful against winter is more as illness affects welfare of not only mother but also of baby.

Pregnant ladies must continue with their walk once or twice a day and antenatal exercises as before the winter, one can change the timings if suitable from foggy mornings to warm sunny noon hours or early evenings depending on individual convenience. Physical activity is important to be continued as before but while going out in cold, keep well covered and warm.

During journey or social and family engagements, don't overexert and take rest in between. Adequate sleep should be ensured to recover from fatigue. Cold and fatigue together make the pregnant lady fall sick easier than others. Proper rest promises good growth of baby as well, while sickness may restrict it.

Keeping these precautions in mind, would-be-mothers can enjoy good health in pregnancy and ensure healthy little ones. Here are few handful tips in this regard:

BALANCING IRREGULAR MENSTRUAL CYCLE

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Very important tips for women facing irregular cycles and few important things to reduce the pain naturally.

1. Eat healthy diet include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. It will help normal your cycle. Take more pulses in your diet as they are low fat, high in fibre, with no cholesterol, low glycemic index, high in protein and nutrients.
2. Have lots of water and reduce or eliminate caffeine like coffee, tea, chocolate, colas or alcohol. It would help flush the system and keep cells rejuvenated.
3. Take adequate sleep as it will help restore the reproductive system. Lack of sleep can disrupt your cycle.
4. Manage your weight. Your weight could be the highest contributing factor for irregular periods. Go for a gradual weight loss. Manage it with light exercises

ARE YOU A COFFEE DRINKER?

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Are you a coffee drinker? It’s time to give it up! Caffeine is thought to restrict the growth of a developing baby by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the uterus. What’s more, a few studies have indicated that excessive consumption of caffeine if it’s more than three cups per day then it may contribute to fertility problems as well.

Caffeine may impact the ability to become pregnant. Several studies have shown that caffeine increases the length of time it takes to conceive. One study showed that women who drank more than one cup of coffee a day were half as likely to become pregnant per cycle as compared to women who consumed less. Another study in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) demonstrated that women who consumed even modest amounts of caffeine (50 mg) were likely to have decreased live birth rates. While the exact mechanism by which caffeine affects fertility is unknown, the answer may be related to the ability of caffeine to influence the quality of the developing oocyte (egg). Preliminary studies in mice and monkeys suggest caffeine inhibits oocyte maturation. An immature oocyte does not fertilize and therefore is unable to produce

IVF IS A BLESSING

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

IVF has proved as a Blessing for modern day woman. In past few days trend of IVF and Surrogacy has seen an upliftment especially after actors Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan openly admits about having their baby through IVF. Production of sperm or eggs, with the Fallopian tubes or the uterus, endometriosis, frequent miscarriage, as well as hormonal and autoimmune (antibody) disorders in both men and women are the causes of infertility which pushes them back from being parents.

Women have lower pregnancy chances after 30. The fertility of a woman starts declining after she crosses 30 and men fertility too starts dropping after 35. The chances of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or chromosomal abnormality go up as you come of age in such couples. In such cases IVF support is very high.

DINK couple

With the approach of the twentieth century the world has witnessed a series of upheaval. The growth of the Dink’s (Double Income No Kids), reflecting the lives of those millions of couple who choose to be childless, have set a trend of modernity amongst the ambitious