Although the social stigma of IVF has been nearly silenced, the physical and mental process of going through in vitro can still be frustrating for a couple trying to get pregnant. However, a recent in vitro fertilization (IVF) study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed promising new developments.
The study compared two common drugs that promote extra egg release to a newer treatment using an aromatase inhibitor called letrozole, which has shown promising pregnancy rates without increased birth defects in other studies. 900 couples who had trouble conceiving despite normal reproductive function from 12 clinics across the U.S. participated in this study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Couples struggling with infertility can take comfort in the fact that as research continues, the procedure will become less arduous. Here are 3 big name celebri-moms who used the procedure to get pregnant, sparking positive discussion around the topic and helping to further reduce the social stigma previously associated with IVF.
1. Celine Dion’s 6 Back-To-Back IVF Attempts
“There’s nothing that can top being a mother. I’d like more but I don’t know. It’s selfish to keep wanting more – although I would love a girl.” - Celine Dion
The superstar songstress turns 48 this year, and she has not been shy about revealing that so far in life, she has been through IVF an incredible SEVEN times, resulting in two pregnancies and three babies. Celine first underwent her IVF treatment when she was 33, and luckily, it was successful. Her son, Rene-Charles, will turn 15 this year. She also has twins Nelson and Eddy, who are turning six, but she revealed her challenges with conceiving. To get pregnant with her twins, she endured SIX back-to-back IVF trials.
“I was going to try until the doctor would say to me, ‘You cannot try anymore,’” - Celine Dion
2. Nicole Kidman Opens Up About Fertility Obstacles
“I had tried and failed and failed and failed. Not to be too detailed, but I’ve had an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriages and I’ve had fertility treatments. I’ve done all the stuff you can possibly do to try get pregnant. I had so much time thinking that wasn’t going to happen in my life and trying to understand that. When it did happen — and for it to be a surprise — that was great.” - Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban surprised fans in 2010 when they announced the birth of their daughter Faith, born via a gestational carrier. Kidman openly spoke about her ups and downs with fertility.
Her willingness to discuss her challenges came as a refreshing change up from the typical secrecy surrounding late blooming celebri-moms. Kelly Preston, John Travolta's wife, was 48 when she gave birth to their son Benjamin this January. She's kept completely mum about the baby's conception.
3. Kim Kardashian West Struggled To Get Pregnant
“I’m so grateful to even be pregnant when we didn’t think it would ever happen for us. It is so worth it!” - Kim Kardashian West
Having a big family was always a dream of Kim Kardashian West‘s — and something she just assumed would fall into place when the time was right. Kardashian West, 34, and husband Kanye West, 37, tried to expand their family for eight months, but it wasn’t until the couple had the help of in vitro fertilization that they were able to conceive. Struggles aside, the miracle of being pregnant wasn't lost on the expectant star.
