I have three beautiful angels at home who surround my life with love and happiness. However, there was one particular angel who was responsible forgiving me my children, and she is Dr Firuza Parikh.
Giving birth to tripletsat the age of 43 is no walk in the park, but I had little choice. I got married at the young age of 40, and both my husband, Shirish, and I were keento start a family soon. God bless IVF because it's never too late to conceive anymore. However, having said that, I have to point out that going through IVF is a gruelling procedure, maybe that's why only a woman can go through it.
My first meeting with Dr Firuza Parikh changed my life. Dr Parikh was my guiding light through it all. She was always encouraging and positive. And most importantly, always honest. When I finally conceived triplets, she put forth the pros and cons in front of me.
I was also fortunate to have a very supportive and actively involved husband. When I meet women who complain that they are not getting pregnant, more often that not, they are going alone for the sessions to the doctor.
After we married, Shirish and I knew we had to start trying to have a baby immediately since I was already 40 years old. I had never thought about having children when I was younger and unmarried.
I was not even fond of children. But when I started the IVF treatment, I realised how much I wanted to be a mother. In fact, I was desperate to have a baby. I called Dr Parikh on getting her number from a friend, and she told me that when I walked into her office for the first consultation, I carried an air of urgency about me.
Our first session included a detailed history, a thorough examination, and a comprehensive review of all my past treatments. In view of my age and history, she suggested that we try ICSI. I had asked her, "Doc, can we start today?" She then explained to me how the cycle starts with a month of preparation. I looked at my diary for my commitments to Om Shanti Om, made the necessary changes, and said, 'I am ready.'
The treatment consisted of a round of injections, blood tests, ultrasound scans, and a periodic review of the findings. Although I was neck deep in the production of Om Shanti Om, I kept every appointment, was on time on all days, and would sometimes request for a night appointment. I sincerely believe that if you do not have a positive attitude towards the procedure it is not going to work.
Complaining doesn't help and if you think that you are not getting pregnant, then you won't. I know that many women worry about not going through the process of IVF, mainly due to the injections that have to be administered. I hate injections just as much as anybody but it's only an injection. Dr Parikh is not asking you to climb Mount Everest. Every morning I would go all the way to Jaslok Hospital for my shot from her. After my shot, I would head for my shoot at Film City.
Dr Parikh was always very gentle and encouraging. You need that, because IVF is a very emotional kind of treatment. I never thought of going to any other doctor other than her, how much ever time it took to get me pregnant.
Shirish was a pillar of support. He had a scientific approach to the treatment and would ask some of the most intelligent questions related to the procedure.
He would always carry his laptop with him and would be working on his script while I was occupied with the blood tests and scans. The support from your husband while undergoing IVF is very essential.
It is so much easier when you go through the procedure of IVF together as a couple. By the third beta HCG test, Dr Parikh had subtly hinted we maybe looking at a multiple pregnancy but said that she would only confirm it after a scan. She told me over the phone, 'This looks like twins or triplets.' After giving us all the instructions for pregnancy care, she also warned me that I might have to slow down my whirlwind activities.
She drew out a strict regimen for me and told Dr Anahita Pandole--her assistant and the obstetrician who would be directly responsible for my pregnancy- to take charge and chart out the rules. These included no late nights, bed rest, a healthy diet, and minimum work. It was a good thing that she was strict, and I told her that I would follow the rules.
However, the truth was that I felt the worst when I was suggested complete bed rest, one month prior to the delivery. That was the time I bloated, my legs were swollen, and I couldn't walk, when on the other hand, I was very active till my baby shower.
Towards the end of my pregnancy, the people on the set were so protective that every time I walked or came across a hurdle they would shout,'Look down, look down.' To which I would respond,' I'm pregnant not blind. I can see what is in front of me!' I was told that it was dangerous to carry triplets, especially with my hectic schedule, and both Dr Firuza Parikh and Dr Anahita were worried about the weight of the babies.
I had terrible morning sickness for two months and sometimes it seemed more like an all-day sickness. During the filming of the song 'Darde Disco' with Shahrukh Khan, I would throw up every time he took his shirt off, although everyone else could not get over his six pack. I even developed a pregnancy rash.
There was a point in the pregnancy when I could not lie down and had to sleep propped up on the Lazyboy, as my stomach was so big that it would come right under my chin when I lay down. Having a bath seemed a chore equal to climbing ten floors, and I would be panting after my bath. But till the day I delivered, I was able to cross my feet and sit to the amazement of both the doctors. I constantly reassured them that I would give them three healthy babies. During my pregnancy I also became a vegetarian because I could not tolerate the smell of non-vegetarian food. The three kids, however, love non-vegetarian food.
Firuza had told me to admit myself in the hospital as soon as the movie was released. When I did, I was so bored that I was constantly giving live interviews to news channels, I think she was fed up with me by then.
A caesarean was planned. Shirish was in the operation theatre with four cameras. Dr Pandole was swift with the knife, and Dr Fazal, our pediatrician, had kept three incubators ready. I knew from the moment I saw them that Diva would be the crowd puller, Czar would be in control, and Anya would be the beauty.
My message to the readers is that don't see the procedure as a hardship. Look at the larger picture to see what you will gain in the long run. Embrace IVF as a wonderful procedure. You will forget the pain once your babies are born.
Since the baby is for the couple, and not just for the mother, the husband's support is essential during the treatment. The best part about having triplets is that when grandparents visit, there is a child for each to play with and one for us as well, and nobody fights over the children.
Reproduced From India Today. © 2011. LMIL. All rights reserved.
Giving birth to tripletsat the age of 43 is no walk in the park, but I had little choice. I got married at the young age of 40, and both my husband, Shirish, and I were keento start a family soon. God bless IVF because it's never too late to conceive anymore. However, having said that, I have to point out that going through IVF is a gruelling procedure, maybe that's why only a woman can go through it.
My first meeting with Dr Firuza Parikh changed my life. Dr Parikh was my guiding light through it all. She was always encouraging and positive. And most importantly, always honest. When I finally conceived triplets, she put forth the pros and cons in front of me.
I was also fortunate to have a very supportive and actively involved husband. When I meet women who complain that they are not getting pregnant, more often that not, they are going alone for the sessions to the doctor.
After we married, Shirish and I knew we had to start trying to have a baby immediately since I was already 40 years old. I had never thought about having children when I was younger and unmarried.
I was not even fond of children. But when I started the IVF treatment, I realised how much I wanted to be a mother. In fact, I was desperate to have a baby. I called Dr Parikh on getting her number from a friend, and she told me that when I walked into her office for the first consultation, I carried an air of urgency about me.
Our first session included a detailed history, a thorough examination, and a comprehensive review of all my past treatments. In view of my age and history, she suggested that we try ICSI. I had asked her, "Doc, can we start today?" She then explained to me how the cycle starts with a month of preparation. I looked at my diary for my commitments to Om Shanti Om, made the necessary changes, and said, 'I am ready.'
The treatment consisted of a round of injections, blood tests, ultrasound scans, and a periodic review of the findings. Although I was neck deep in the production of Om Shanti Om, I kept every appointment, was on time on all days, and would sometimes request for a night appointment. I sincerely believe that if you do not have a positive attitude towards the procedure it is not going to work.
Complaining doesn't help and if you think that you are not getting pregnant, then you won't. I know that many women worry about not going through the process of IVF, mainly due to the injections that have to be administered. I hate injections just as much as anybody but it's only an injection. Dr Parikh is not asking you to climb Mount Everest. Every morning I would go all the way to Jaslok Hospital for my shot from her. After my shot, I would head for my shoot at Film City.
Dr Parikh was always very gentle and encouraging. You need that, because IVF is a very emotional kind of treatment. I never thought of going to any other doctor other than her, how much ever time it took to get me pregnant.
Shirish was a pillar of support. He had a scientific approach to the treatment and would ask some of the most intelligent questions related to the procedure.
He would always carry his laptop with him and would be working on his script while I was occupied with the blood tests and scans. The support from your husband while undergoing IVF is very essential.
It is so much easier when you go through the procedure of IVF together as a couple. By the third beta HCG test, Dr Parikh had subtly hinted we maybe looking at a multiple pregnancy but said that she would only confirm it after a scan. She told me over the phone, 'This looks like twins or triplets.' After giving us all the instructions for pregnancy care, she also warned me that I might have to slow down my whirlwind activities.
She drew out a strict regimen for me and told Dr Anahita Pandole--her assistant and the obstetrician who would be directly responsible for my pregnancy- to take charge and chart out the rules. These included no late nights, bed rest, a healthy diet, and minimum work. It was a good thing that she was strict, and I told her that I would follow the rules.
However, the truth was that I felt the worst when I was suggested complete bed rest, one month prior to the delivery. That was the time I bloated, my legs were swollen, and I couldn't walk, when on the other hand, I was very active till my baby shower.
Towards the end of my pregnancy, the people on the set were so protective that every time I walked or came across a hurdle they would shout,'Look down, look down.' To which I would respond,' I'm pregnant not blind. I can see what is in front of me!' I was told that it was dangerous to carry triplets, especially with my hectic schedule, and both Dr Firuza Parikh and Dr Anahita were worried about the weight of the babies.
I had terrible morning sickness for two months and sometimes it seemed more like an all-day sickness. During the filming of the song 'Darde Disco' with Shahrukh Khan, I would throw up every time he took his shirt off, although everyone else could not get over his six pack. I even developed a pregnancy rash.
There was a point in the pregnancy when I could not lie down and had to sleep propped up on the Lazyboy, as my stomach was so big that it would come right under my chin when I lay down. Having a bath seemed a chore equal to climbing ten floors, and I would be panting after my bath. But till the day I delivered, I was able to cross my feet and sit to the amazement of both the doctors. I constantly reassured them that I would give them three healthy babies. During my pregnancy I also became a vegetarian because I could not tolerate the smell of non-vegetarian food. The three kids, however, love non-vegetarian food.
Firuza had told me to admit myself in the hospital as soon as the movie was released. When I did, I was so bored that I was constantly giving live interviews to news channels, I think she was fed up with me by then.
A caesarean was planned. Shirish was in the operation theatre with four cameras. Dr Pandole was swift with the knife, and Dr Fazal, our pediatrician, had kept three incubators ready. I knew from the moment I saw them that Diva would be the crowd puller, Czar would be in control, and Anya would be the beauty.
My message to the readers is that don't see the procedure as a hardship. Look at the larger picture to see what you will gain in the long run. Embrace IVF as a wonderful procedure. You will forget the pain once your babies are born.
Since the baby is for the couple, and not just for the mother, the husband's support is essential during the treatment. The best part about having triplets is that when grandparents visit, there is a child for each to play with and one for us as well, and nobody fights over the children.
Reproduced From India Today. © 2011. LMIL. All rights reserved.
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