Ishita Dutta and Vatsal Sheth are on cloud nine and why not? The beautiful couple is expecting their first child this year. The good news was shared by them on March 31 on Instagram. As Ishita gears up to step into the role of a mother in real life, she spoke to PeepingMoon exclusively about her pregnancy and motherhood.

Talking to us, Ishita revealed whether the pregnancy is a planned one or a surprise. The actress also opened up about the paparazzi culture in India and if she will follow the no-picture policy for their child. She further shared her desire to be her child's friend and not have a typical parent-kid bond. 

Excerpts from the interview: 

Congratulations on the good news. What was your first reaction to learning about your pregnancy and when did you decide to take the test?

I was thrilled when I got to know. When I took the test, I was alone at home. I randomly tested myself and it came positive. I was overwhelmed and couldn’t wait for Vatsal to get home.  

What was Vatsal’s first reaction to the special news?

Vatsal was surprised. I put the test in a box and gave him and he thought I ordered something online. It took him a second to figure out what it was but then he was very happy and emotional.

Do you see any changes in you and your lifestyle during the pregnancy?

A lot of them. Though I maintain a healthy lifestyle, our shoot schedules sometimes don't allow us to eat on time and enjoy ghar ka khana. Now, during my pregnancy, I make it an effort to consume balanced meals, get nutritious food and regularly have nariyal paani. I have slowed down in my routine activities just to make sure the baby doesn't get hurt. It is all about the baby. There's still time for it to arrive and I am sure motherhood will change me even more. 

Is it getting challenging for you to balance your professional and personal life?

It does get tough but I am not working extensively. I did work in the early months of pregnancy but now, I have taken a step back to focus on my pregnancy and staying healthy. Initially, it did get difficult because of nausea and travel restrictions. I was completing a shoot too. While I am still on my toes but not like how I would do a couple of months ago. 

Is it a planned pregnancy or a surprise one?

Vatsal and I were thinking and talking about it so it's not completely a surprise pregnancy. We’ve always wanted a family but didn’t think it will happen so soon. In that sense, it was a surprise. I cannot comprehend the feelings that rushed within us after the news was confirmed. 

What are the precautions you are taking during your pregnancy?

I believe in going with the flow. As of now, I am trying not to get panicky about it. I always consult or rather over-consult my doctor before doing anything new. It is always better to be cautious. I have completely stopped restaurant food and do thorough research before eating anything. This generation is a lot more aware due to exposure to the internet where everything is easily available. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ishita Dutta Sheth (@ishidutta)

Have the preps for the little member’s arrival begun?

Yes, planning has already started. Our parents are already preparing lists of things to be arranged. There will be a lot of planning closer to the due date. It is cute to shop for a baby's arrival but the list is endless. 

Are you looking forward to resuming work soon after the baby’s birth or wish to take some time to enjoy the new role of a mother?

I’ll go with the flow. I haven’t set a timeline as such. I’ll see how it goes. Of course, I would love to spend a lot of time with my child. The initial months are important as the baby is very tiny and I definitely don’t want to leave him or her alone. Let’s see how it goes. If it is for a few hours, closer to home, and if it feels okay, I will. If I don’t feel physically and emotionally comfortable, I might take a break.

Did you receive any special tips from your mother and mother-in-law?

I am blessed to be around women who are just a call away. A friend is on this journey with me so we discuss a lot. The people around me are my biggest support systems and they make me comfortable and try to calm me down when I feel anxious. My friends who went through the journey are there to guide me. 

Being a celebrity couple, it is difficult to avoid paparazzi attention. Are you planning to follow a no-picture policy for your child?

I understand the paparazzi culture and the curiosity to see the baby’s face. If another celebrity has a child, I would like to know what he or she looks like. I have nothing against this. We Indians normally don't click and circulate our babies' pictures at least for 5-6 months. That's to be kept private. I don’t know whether I will be strict about the no-picture policy later but at least till the baby is 6-7 months old, I won’t let it out.

What are you expecting; Mini Ishita or Mini Vatsal?

I have had discussions about this. Whenever somebody comes, they see the baby bump and make predictions. Honestly, what matters at the end of the day is to have a healthy baby. During your pregnancy, things can go wrong. It is a sensitive time and all you care about is the baby's health. A happy and healthy baby is all we want.

When you were a child, what was the kind of bond you shared with your parents? Were you scared of your mother or father? What kind of a parent do you think you will be?

Parenting style has changed. Yes, we were scared of our parents and I don’t think there was ‘friendship’. I developed that bond with my parents when I started going to college. I was mostly scared to discuss anything with them before that. I had my sister for those discussions but not everyone has siblings. Now, every parent wants their child to come and share everything with them and not get scared. I want that kind of relationship with my child. I share a beautiful relationship with my parents but had it started earlier, I would have been nicer. I want to be a friend to my child and not somebody he/she is scared of.