Vandana Sajnani Khattar shares heartbreaking story of her miscarriage: ‘The doctor told my husband is she crazy because the baby is no more’ | Health News
Experiencing a miscarriage can be one of the most emotionally and physically devastating events for any parent.
For actor Vandana Sajnani Khattar, before the arrival of her miracle baby, the loss was compounded by the circumstances of her delivery when she conceived soon after marriage. Appearing on Debina Bonnerjee’s podcast, she said, “Uss waqt all these things about egg freezing, IVF, surrogacy, and other mediums of having a baby woh nahi tha. Toh woh khushi thi jab pehle mahine mein mujhe news mila ki I’m pregnant. I was thrilled. I mean, I was like aur kya chahiye? Manifestation bolte hain toh isko bolte hain (At that time, all these things about egg freezing, IVF, surrogacy, and other methods of having a baby weren’t there. So, the happiness was when, in the first month (after marriage), I got the news that I’m pregnant. I was thrilled. I mean, I was like, what more do you need? If you call it manifestation, this is what it is).”
She continued, “I was working, toh I went to a shoot and this and that. Kaam karti thi daily soap mein (I was working, so I went to a shoot and all that. I was working in a daily soap) and in my fifth month, I had a miscarriage. I still remember I told the doctor ki mujhe normal delivery karni hai (that I wanted a normal delivery). The doctor told my husband, is she crazy because the baby is no more. We have to do a C-section.’ I said no… kya pata iske baad mujhe normal delivery ho ki nahi, bachcha ho ki nahi (who knows if I’ll ever have a normal delivery again, or even another baby). And I went through a normal delivery for a baby that I couldn’t even get to see.
Choosing to deliver a deceased baby naturally is a deeply personal decision. While it can provide closure and a sense of control for some, it may also carry physical and psychological risks. What drives such decisions, and how can individuals be supported during this challenging time?
Dr Vinutha G, senior consultant obstetrics and gynaecology at Athreya Hospital, says, “Vandana Sajnani’s experience of delivering a deceased baby sheds light on a painful yet important topic that affects many families. Understanding the physical and emotional aspects of such an experience is essential for providing better care and support to grieving parents.”
Physical risks and benefits of delivering a deceased baby naturally compared to other methods
“Natural delivery can preserve uterine integrity, reducing the risk of scarring and complications that might impact future pregnancies. For some parents, the process also offers a sense of emotional closure, as it allows them to acknowledge their baby’s presence. However, this method comes with challenges, such as prolonged labour, which can lead to exhaustion and distress, and risks like haemorrhage or infection due to complications like a retained placenta,” Dr Vinutha adds.
Surgical methods, she continues, are quicker and less physically taxing, often reducing the emotional strain for parents who prefer to avoid the experience of labour and delivery. However, these procedures carry risks, including uterine scarring, which may affect future fertility, and potential complications from anesthesia. “A study in Obstetrics & Gynecology emphasises that the choice between natural delivery and surgical removal should align with the mother’s health, emotional state, and reproductive goals.”
Healthcare providers should communicate options like natural delivery, induction, or surgery clearly and compassionately, using visual aids or written materials to simplify medical terms. (Source: Freepik)
Mental health implications
The emotional toll of experiencing childbirth without the anticipated outcome can result in grief, trauma, and conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Many parents also struggle with feelings of guilt and self-blame, even when the loss was beyond their control, adding to the complexity of emotional recovery.
How can healthcare providers ensure that parents are fully informed and emotionally supported when making this decision?
Providers should communicate options like natural delivery, induction, or surgery clearly and compassionately, using visual aids or written materials to simplify medical terms. Active listening is essential to address parents’ concerns and tailor recommendations, while empathy and validation help acknowledge their grief and reassure them. “Immediate access to counselling can offer emotional support, and obtaining informed consent ensures parents feel empowered rather than pressured. A study in The Lancet underscores the importance of integrating emotional and psychological care into obstetric practices in cases of stillbirths or miscarriages,” informs Dr Vinutha.
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.
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