In the latest episode of Toni Gonzaga’s Toni Talks, which was uploaded today, November 5, 2023, her sister Alex Gonzaga got real about her second miscarriage.
Alex opened up about her journey to motherhood, revealing that her second pregnancy with her husband, Mikee Morada, was not a natural conception.
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION
She explained that her decision to undergo IVF was influenced by a prominent American figure, namely, the wife of 44th U.S. president Barack Obama: “Nag-decide akong mag IVF kasi nakita ko kasi si Michelle Obama.”
IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is a fertility treatment where an embryo is created outside the body, which is then placed in the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
Toni couldn’t help but remark, “Yan ang naaasar ako sayo, kung ano na lang makita mo.”
In defense, Alex explained, “Wala ka nang magagawa nakita sa algorithm ko.
“Nakita ko na parang sinabi niya [Michelle Obama] na nagkaroon siya ng miscarriage, tapos after two years di sila makapag-conceive ni Barack.
“So sabi niya mag a-IVF siya, so by 34 nag conceive siya tas by 36 nag-conceive siya through IVF pareho yung anak nila.
“Kasi nga, ayaw niya nang mag-waste ng time na kaka-antay.”
Following Michelle’s example, Alex decided to pursue IVF to expedite her journey towards motherhood.
“Naisip ko na I’m AG [Alex Gonzaga] from the East, ngayon I’m aging from the East, so kailangan ko nang madaliin to with the help of science,” she expressed.
However, undergoing IVF wasn’t an easy path for Alex.
After her stint hosting the TV5 noontime show Lunch Out Loud, she redirected her focus on the IVF process, which proved to be a challenging and emotional journey filled with numerous procedures.
Alex reflected, “Pag kunwari naging successful yung pregnancy, sa lahat ng mga anak na alam niyo na galing kayo sa IVF, mas mahalin niyo talaga, as in grabe yung pagmamahal niyo sa nanay niyo.
“Kasi ito talaga, makikita mo yung hardship ng nanay, ng babae para mabuo yung baby.
“Andami niyang pinagdaanang hormonal imbalance, andami niyang bawal gawin para lang mabuo ka finally.”
The comedienne added, “Kaya grabe yung respect ko sa mga nanay na pinagdaanan yun kasi grabe, e.
“Tapos, yung iba na siyempre like us, hindi naging successful yung IVF, [so] gagawin ko ulit.
“Yun yung minsan nakakaiyak sa akin na parang, ‘Ah kailangan ko nanaman gawin yung another 12 sessions.’”
Alex also touched on the uncertain success rates of IVF pregnancies, citing her doctors’ estimate of 50-60% success.
She mentioned cases where even with 21 embryos, success was elusive, reinforcing her belief in the unpredictability of the process and the need for faith.
“Pag iisipin mo talaga, it’s really the Lord’s hand,” she realized.
“Kasi pag pinasok na yung embryo, paano siya mag develop, tsaka paano siya kumapit sa matres mo, kahit ano inumin mo, gawin mo, wala ka talagang control.”
SUPPORT FROM MIKEE
Throughout this journey, Alex found unwavering support from her husband Mikee.
Although he didn’t always express his emotions openly, he stood by her side as a steadfast partner, never making her feel responsible for their struggles.
“Ang pinaka nakita ko kang Mikee is, talagang partner siya na hindi niya talaga ipaparamdam na kasalanan mo,” she said.
“Kasama mo talaga siya.”
She went on, “Nung time na yun kasi, naiisip ko na I’m so pressured na.
“Pressured na ako sa mga tao na ‘Uy, di pa ba manganganak yan?’
“Tapos, siyempre yung nangyari sa akin this year na dun sa birthday ko. Every time may nami-meet ako, sasabihin na ‘Ah mabait ka naman pala.’”
The experience took an emotional toll on Alex, with people commenting on her demeanor and kindness despite her personal challenges.
She shared her hope for a positive outcome after the pain she endured.
With tears in her eyes, Alex continued, “Yung parang, bakit kaya ganun ang connotation sa akin this year.
“Na parang ‘Sana Lord, ang sakit ng napagdaanan ko. Sana may maganda namang balik. Baka ito [baby] na.’”
