Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : June 15, 2015 10:07 AM IST
What prayers and poojas couldn't, IVF did for this couple. Punjiben and Ranchhodbhai, a Mumbai couple, proved that age is no bar to become parents. At 60, Punjiben gave birth to a healthy boy through IVF (Invitro fertilization). Their Ahmedabad house is streamed with visitors trying to catch a glimpse of the miracle baby and his supermom. As ecstasy and questions are pondered over the couple, here's what you need to know about IVF.
What is IVF?
IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a technique in which egg cells (woman) are fertilized (mated) with the sperm (men) in a laboratory setup.
Before the actual process: It involves a series of visits to your doctor who will check the quality of the egg. Also, your hormonal levels and the ability of the endometrium to hold the embryo is assessed. In most cases, hormonal injections are given to improve the productivity of the eggs. Here are top 10 traits of a good IVF patient.
The actual process: During the process, the eggs are removed from the ovary and fertilized with the sperm in a controlled environment. The fertilized egg is then transferred into the woman's womb (uterus). As the chances of getting pregnant are low in these cases, IVF specialists transfer more than one embryo with the aim of establishing a successful pregnancy. Currently, ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) allows a maximum of three embryos to be placed in the uterus.
After the process: Your role doesn't end there. You need to regularly follow up with the doctor to rule out any possible complications that might result. In most cases, a couple has to undergo 2 - 3 IVF process to get pregnant. As three embryos are inserted into the uterus, the patients might conceive twins or triplets. This in turn complicates the pregnancy and also increase the risk of premature birth.Read about expert tips to better your chances of getting pregnant after IVF treatment.
The inability to get the right partner, per-menopause (at the age of 40) and low levels of anti-mullerian hormone, which is responsible for maintaining egg pool in women, are some factors responsible for late motherhood. Also, according to the laws, women after 45 cannot adopt a child. And in such cases, IVF becomes the most effective measure to get pregnant.
Pregnancy at 60 -- is it possible through IVF?
Every case is different. Punjiben's case is a real example of how becoming a parent has no boundaries. Although there are complications and not every woman can become pregnant through IVF, an IVF specialist is the right person to help you out in this matter. Here's how you can choose the right IVF doctor.
Dr Mehul Damani, Ahmedabad based IVF specialist said in an Interview to Mumbai Mirror that after menopause, it is difficult to get pregnant as the uterus shrinks down due to low levels of pregnancy hormones. However, Punjiben was put on high dose of progesterone hormone to initiate her menstruation and regularise the size of endometrium to 8 cm, healthy enough to hold an embryo. This was then coupled with estrogen and progesterone pills and careful monitoring that uterus responded and embryo was transferred in her womb. There were no complications during the nine months of pregnancy and what's more surprising is the fact that Jethiben can breastfeed her child at this age.
You may also like to read about What is surrogacy?
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