Filmmaker and YouTuber Farah Khan recently sat down with tennis icon Sania Mirza for a chat on her podcast, where she detailed her IVF (in vitro fertilisation) journey in vivid detail.Recalling how it was considered a taboo back then, Khan shared, “It was common, but people didn’t talk about it. It was completely legal. I am not doing anything illegal, so it should be… society has made it taboo. I decided I should speak because it is wonderful for so many people who want to be mothers… and it can also be about the husbands… why is it the wife’s fault? I must have recommended my doctor to 250-odd people,” said Khan, who gave birth to triplets in 2008.Stating that all “three were healthy babies“, the 60-year-old detailed the lesser-known physical toll of being pregnant, especially with triplets. “With IVFs, and because I was carrying triplets, everything was throwing up three times over. I used to have stomach rash all over. I was only in the loo at all times. Because, at any given time, one child was pressing on my bladder. So, I was constantly in the loo. I could not sleep while lying down. I used to sleep on the La-Z-Boy recliner because my stomach would come up over my heart. So, all those things. Plus, I had to go to my doctor every day to take injections either in my thigh or in my stomach,” the Tees Maar Khan filmmaker said. IVF is a difficult journey (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)Recalling how IVF was successful after two failed attempts, Khan, who was directing Om Shanti Om starring Shah Rukh Khan then, shared, “There was a break in the shoot for about a month and a half because Shah Rukh used to take an annual break with family in June-July and used to go to London. It was a godsend for me. I was doing no work, and I could relax and do the IVF. I was sure that I would get pregnant, and I had only four eggs left. I was 42.”Taking a cue from her candid revelation, let’s understand how physically taxing pregnancy can be.Women carrying twins or triplets often experience certain pregnancy-related issues more frequently and intensely due to higher hormonal levels and the added physical strain, said Dr Tripti Raheja, director, obstetrics and gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.“Severe nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum) are common because levels of pregnancy hormones such as hCG and estrogen are significantly higher in multiple pregnancies. Frequent urination is also typical, as the growing babies exert greater pressure on the bladder,” said Dr Raheja.Story continues below this adMany women report abdominal discomfort and skin rashes, primarily caused by excessive stretching of the abdominal skin. “Elevated progesterone levels and progesterone-support medications prescribed during multiple pregnancies can also contribute to rashes and itching,” said Dr Raheja.Additionally, injection-site pain or bruising may occur from daily hormone injections like progesterone or heparin, leading to local pain and swelling. “Emotional challenges such as anxiety and fear of miscarriage or complications are common, especially among women who have conceived after several IVF attempts or at an advanced age,” said Dr Raheja.What to note?It is important to be aware of certain warning signs during multiple pregnancies. Dr Raheja said that dry mouth, reduced urination, and dizziness can signal dehydration due to excessive vomiting and require prompt attention. “Watch for pain or redness at injection sites, which may indicate inflammation. In the later months, contractions or spotting should never be ignored, as they may be early signs of preterm labour. Mood changes or depressive symptoms are also common and should be acknowledged. Professional help or counselling can be very beneficial in such cases,” said Dr Raheja.What helps?Managing a multiple pregnancy requires consistent self-care and support.Story continues below this adEating small, frequent meals and staying hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich fluids can help ease nausea. “Adequate rest, preferably in a reclined or semi-sitting position, can improve comfort, as lying flat often becomes difficult in advanced stages,” said Dr Raheja.Emotional and physical support from family members plays a vital role in reducing stress. In some cases, professional counselling may be needed to cope with anxiety, IVF-related stress, or fear of complications, she said.Also Read | ‘No one can stop me’: As Pregnant Parineeti Chopra enjoys soup and cheese toast for dinner, dietitian weighs inRegular follow-ups with an experienced gynaecologist are essential for early identification and timely management of any medical issues that may arise.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.