Delayed pregnancy ; effects on fertility and health
With the Covid19 pandemic, many women are delaying their pregnancy, stating lack of financial and emotional support. The pandemic forced us all to stay within four walls. Many nuclear families saw no support during this period which has made couples to rethink on their decision of having baby. Depression, anxiety, increase in blood pressure, weight gain or weight loss, lack of confidence, irregularities in menstruation are some of the reasons many women are experiencing.
Pune Pulse spoke to some couples and found out the exact reason. Gyanecologists and fertility experts share their concerns on what happens when pregnancy is delayed.
Dr Karishma Dafle, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Pune says, “Delaying pregnancy can be overwhelming for some women. They may feel incompetent after seeing other mothers around them. They will be stressed, depressed, anxious and hapless. After all, it is their dream of embracing motherhood, and it hasn’t been fulfilled yet. They may have emotional trauma and may find it difficult to open up about their feelings, will withdraw socially, and feel lonely. The woman will feel that she may be also ridiculed for not having a child. She might feel shameful or embarrassing. Talking about physical impact, some women may avoid exercising or any movement. Thus, they can become obese or may have any other comorbidities too.”
Nitin Kasabe, an IT professional said, “The pandemic brought in complete lifestyle change. It also affected our financial strength and hence we delayed. The continuous lockdown throughout for approximate two years led to confinement within four walls as the restrictions were in place. There was a fear in our minds about getting Covid19. This was the second reason for the delay.”
“Also apart from emotional and physical impact due to covid women with low ovarian reserve are facing issues due to low egg count such women should definitely opt for egg freezing in case of unmarried females and embryo freezing in case of married women,so all couples planning for pregnancy in covid times females should check their AMH count to know their egg reserve and take decision accordingly, ” says,” Dr Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune.
Nikita Patel, an MBA professional shared that she got married in 2019 and had planned a baby in 2020. But due to the pandemic and the fear around it got us nervous always. She said, “My husband’s salary was saw a cut, which also put our all our plans on hold. We have now delayed our decision and shall wait for more six months. This certainly has taken a toll on my health and increased my anxiety. This increase led in weight gain. Now my aim is to remain healthy.”
Amyrah Lazarus, a singer said, “I have a four year old son. Me and my husband had plans of having second child in 2021. But somehow the things didn’t seem favourable. The entire 2020 and mid 2021 were quite depressing as I lost most of my work appointments. Somehow things changed by end of 2020 but there was nothing concrete. We haven’t yet been back to our initial days of income and have put our plans on hold. I am 39 years old now and I feel my body clock is already ticking fast which is causing severe depression, fear among me. I am unable to take any decision due to this.”
