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Celina Jaitley Recalls Rare Pregnancy Condition That Almost Took Her Babies: 'I Was Terrified'
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Celina Jaitley shares her battle with cholestasis during twin pregnancies, urging moms-to-be to prioritise maternal health and awareness.
Bollywood actress and mother of three, Celina Jaitley, has opened up about a deeply personal and harrowing chapter of her life—the rare liver condition she battled during both of her twin pregnancies. In an emotional Instagram post titled 'When the Itch Could Have Taken My Babies: My Battle With Cholestasis", Celina revealed her struggle with cholestasis of pregnancy, a little-known but potentially life-threatening complication.
Celina began her post by explaining that she was born with a rare genetic trait—hyper ovulation—that caused her to conceive twins twice, naturally. The condition, she revealed, has haunted generations of women in her family. 'My mother too had carried twins after my brother and me—babies she tragically lost after a fall in Ranikhet. Even my great-great-grandmother died from complications during a twin pregnancy," she wrote.
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The actress went on to describe her pregnancies as overwhelming and physically challenging. She faced gestational diabetes, SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction), and the most alarming of all—cholestasis. 'It starts with itching palms, soles, sleepless nights, and a deep fear for your baby's safety. Cholestasis isn't just a pregnancy itch. It's your liver waving a red flag," Celina explained.
Thanks to an early diagnosis by her gynaecologist, she was able to begin treatment in time. She fondly recalled her hepatologist in Dubai—a Jordanian doctor who, in a rare moment of shared faith and science, prayed with her. 'That moment of compassion stayed with me. It reminded me how vital empathy is in healing," she said.
Celina used her platform to urge expectant mothers to be vigilant. 'Persistent itching is not something to ignore. Ask for a bile acid test. It could save your child's life," she advised.
In 2012, Celina gave birth to twin sons, Winston and Viraaj, in Dubai. Five years later, she was blessed with another set of twin boys. Tragically, one of them passed away due to a congenital heart condition. The surviving twin endured a long and critical stay in the NICU before pulling through.
Celina ended her post with a heartfelt message that underscored the importance of maternal health awareness. 'Pregnancy is sacred, but vulnerable. That's why I keep speaking out. Because silence never saved a mother. But awareness just might."
Celina Jaitley made her Bollywood debut in 2003 with Janasheen and has starred in popular films like No Entry, Apna Sapna Money Money, and Golmaal Returns. Today, she's using her voice to spotlight maternal health and push for better awareness around lesser-known pregnancy conditions.
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