In a first, Gujarat woman to deliver baby after uterus-transplant
Meenakshi Valand, a beautician from Bharuch, Gujarat, lost two babies after full pregnancies and had four abortions in nine years of her marriage. A scarred uterus prohibited her chances at motherhood until she got a uterus transplant last year. She underwent uterus transplant surgery in May'17 and is set to be the first Indian woman to deliver her baby after undergoing a uterine transplant.
The delivery is in December but doctors aren't taking chances
Meenakshi is currently in her 20th week of pregnancy and is spending days at Pune's Galaxy Care hospital. The foetal heartbeat and her vitals like blood pressure, weight gain etc. are monitored daily. Though the delivery is due in December, the doctors aren't taking any chances. "By early November, we should be able to perform a C-Section," said gynaecologist, Dr Milind Telang.
At first, Meenakshi didn't get pregnant, but later did
She had normal ovary. It was harvested and sperm of her husband was taken to prepare embryos. In her case, eight embryos were frozen. The first attempt was unsuccessful since the transplanted uterus took time to adjust. Meenakshi's second embryo transfer was successful. Doctors are glad since the scan of the 20th week, that ascertains anatomical structure of the foetus, was normal.
Have waited long enough for this baby, says Meenakshi
Meenakshi's diet is monitored and she isn't allowed to leave her room to put infections at bay. She walks a little after eating but rests for the larger part of the day. Globally, only eight women have delivered babies after uterus transplants, and doctors are optimistic. Meanwhile, Meenakshi said, "I have wanted this baby and it is just a matter of few months now."
