Deciding to explore IVF is rarely a simple moment. It usually comes after months — sometimes years — of trying, testing, and searching for answers. If you are here, you likely already know something is making conception difficult, and you want to understand what IVF treatment actually involves before you walk into a clinic.

This guide explains the IVF process step by step in plain language — no jargon, no false promises. Just a clear picture of what happens at each stage, what it costs, and what the numbers honestly say about success.

What Is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus. The phrase “in vitro” is Latin for “in glass” — a reference to the lab environment where fertilisation takes place outside the body.

A typical IVF cycle takes 4 to 6 weeks from the first injection to the pregnancy test.

Who Needs IVF?

IVF is recommended when simpler treatments like timed intercourse or IUI (intrauterine insemination) have not worked, or when the clinical picture makes them unlikely to succeed. Common reasons include:

• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes — eggs cannot travel to the uterus naturally
• Male factor infertility — low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology
• Endometriosis — which can affect egg quality and tubal function
• Unexplained infertility — where no single cause has been identified after investigation
• PCOS/PMOS — particularly when ovulation induction has not resulted in pregnancy
• Age-related decline in ovarian reserve — where time is a factor
• Genetic conditions — where preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is needed before transfer

IVF is not always the first step — a thorough fertility evaluation determines whether simpler options are worth trying first. Explore fertility consultation services at Dr. Shernaz’s clinic to understand your specific situation.

The IVF Process Step by Step

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Fertility Assessment

Before any treatment begins, both partners undergo a comprehensive baseline assessment:

• For women: AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels, antral follicle count (AFC) via transvaginal ultrasound, day 2/3 hormonal panel (FSH, LH, estradiol), thyroid function, and uterine assessment
• For men: Semen analysis — sperm count, motility, morphology
• Additional tests: Infectious disease screening, genetic screening if indicated

This phase determines the most appropriate IVF protocol for your specific situation and gives the treating doctor a clear starting baseline. Skipping or rushing this stage is one of the most common reasons for suboptimal outcomes.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation (Days 1–12 of Cycle)

This is where the active treatment phase begins. You receive daily hormone injections — typically gonadotropins (FSH and LH) — to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple follicles simultaneously. Under natural conditions, one egg matures per cycle. The goal of ovarian stimulation is to produce 8–15 mature eggs in a single cycle, improving the chances that at least one viable embryo results.

During this 10–14 day phase, you will visit the clinic every 2–3 days for:

• Transvaginal ultrasound to monitor follicle size and count
• Blood tests to check estradiol levels and adjust medication dose if needed

When the leading follicles reach the target size (typically 18–20mm), a trigger injection (hCG or GnRH agonist) is administered to complete egg maturation.

Step 3: Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-Up)

Approximately 36 hours after the trigger shot, eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called ovum pick-up (OPU) or egg retrieval. Performed under sedation (you will not feel pain), a thin needle is guided transvaginally under ultrasound to aspirate the fluid from each follicle. The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes. You go home the same day with mild rest advised.

The retrieved eggs are immediately handed to the embryologist in the IVF laboratory.

Step 4: Fertilisation & Embryo Culture (Days 1–5 Post-Retrieval)

In the lab, mature eggs are fertilised in one of two ways:

• Conventional IVF — eggs and sperm are placed together in a culture dish and fertilisation occurs naturally
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) — a single sperm is injected directly into each egg; used when sperm parameters are poor or previous fertilisation failure has occurred. IVF with ICSI is now standard practice in most Indian clinics.

Fertilised eggs (now embryos) are cultured in incubators for 3–5 days. By day 5, the best-quality embryos reach the blastocyst stage — the most developed, viable form for transfer.

The embryologist grades embryos based on morphology. Not all retrieved eggs become fertilised, and not all fertilised eggs become blastocysts — this natural attrition is expected and normal.

Step 5: Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer is a relatively simple, pain-free procedure — no sedation is required. A thin catheter is passed through the cervix into the uterus, and one (or sometimes two) embryos are placed at the optimal position in the uterine cavity. The process takes under 10 minutes.

Fresh transfer — done in the same cycle, 3–5 days after egg retrieval. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) — embryos are cryopreserved and transferred in a subsequent, hormonally prepared cycle. FET is increasingly preferred as it allows the uterine lining to recover from stimulation, often improving implantation rates.

You will be prescribed progesterone support (pessaries or injections) following transfer to support implantation.

Step 6: The Two-Week Wait & Pregnancy Test

Fourteen days after embryo transfer, a blood test measuring beta-hCG levels confirms whether implantation has occurred. This period — often called the “two-week wait” — is emotionally one of the most challenging parts of the IVF journey. Support from your partner, family, or a counsellor during this phase is genuinely valuable.

A positive beta-hCG is followed by serial tests and an early viability ultrasound at approximately 6–7 weeks.

IVF Cost in India: What to Budget

IVF cost in India varies based on the city, clinic, protocol, and whether add-ons (ICSI, PGT, embryo freezing) are required.

Component	Approximate Cost (INR)
Initial consultation & investigations	₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Ovarian stimulation medications	₹30,000 – ₹80,000
Egg retrieval procedure	₹20,000 – ₹40,000
Lab fees (fertilisation + embryo culture)	₹30,000 – ₹60,000
Embryo transfer	₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Basic IVF cycle total (Mumbai metro)	₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000
With ICSI add-on	+₹15,000 – ₹30,000
With embryo freezing (vitrification)	+₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle	₹50,000 – ₹90,000
Full cycle with add-ons	₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000

Most fertility specialists recommend planning for 2–3 cycles, as cumulative success rates rise significantly with multiple attempts.

IVF Success Rate in India: Honest Numbers

The IVF success rate in India (measured as live birth rate per cycle) varies considerably by age:

Age at IVF	Live Birth Rate Per Cycle
Under 35	40–55%
35–37	30–40%
38–40	20–30%
40–42	10–20%
Over 42	Under 10% (own eggs)

With donor eggs, success rates improve significantly regardless of the recipient’s age, often reaching 60–70%.

Across 2–3 cycles, cumulative success rates for women under 35 can reach 70–80%. Clinic quality, embryology lab standards, and the experience of the reproductive specialist are all significant variables.

What Makes a Good IVF Outcome?

Beyond age, the factors most predictive of IVF success include:

• Ovarian reserve (AMH and AFC)
• Embryo quality — grading and blastocyst development
• Uterine receptivity — thickness and pattern of the endometrial lining
• Sperm quality — especially DNA fragmentation levels
• Lifestyle factors — weight, smoking, alcohol, and stress all demonstrably affect outcomes

An honest pre-cycle conversation with your doctor about these factors gives you a realistic expectation — which matters as much as any clinical parameter.

Starting Your IVF Journey in Mumbai

IVF treatment in India is among the most affordable in the world — 60–70% less than equivalent treatment in the US or UK — with leading clinics in Mumbai offering internationally comparable lab standards and outcomes.

If you are considering IVF for the first time — or have had a failed cycle elsewhere and want a second opinion — Dr. Shernaz Damkevala (Dastur) provides fertility consultation and gynaecological care at Ahura Nursing Home, Malad West, Mumbai, including guidance on whether IVF is the right next step for your situation.

For those managing conditions like endometriosis or PCOS/PMOS alongside fertility concerns, an integrated approach often improves IVF outcomes.

FAQs

Q1. How long does one IVF cycle take?

A: A full IVF cycle — from the first injection to the pregnancy test — takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

Q2. How much does IVF cost in India in 2026?

A: A basic IVF cycle in Mumbai costs ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs. With add-ons like ICSI and embryo freezing, the total per cycle can reach ₹3.5 to ₹4.5 lakhs.

Q3. What is the IVF success rate in India?

A: For women under 35, the live birth rate per cycle is 40–55%. Success declines with age. Cumulative rates across 2–3 cycles can reach 70–80% for women under 35.

Q4. Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?

A: No. It is performed under sedation. You may feel mild bloating or cramping afterwards, which typically resolves within 1–2 days.

Q5. What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?

A: In standard IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. ICSI is used when sperm quality is poor or when previous IVF fertilisation failed.

Q6. What is a frozen embryo transfer (FET)?

A: FET is when embryos from a previous cycle are thawed and transferred in a separate, hormonally prepared cycle. It is often preferred over a fresh transfer as it allows the uterine lining to recover after stimulation.

Q7. How many eggs are needed for a successful IVF cycle?

A: Retrieving 8–15 mature eggs per cycle is the typical goal. Not all eggs fertilise and not all fertilised eggs develop to blastocysts, so more eggs at retrieval generally improve overall chances.

Q8. Can I do IVF if I have PCOS or endometriosis?

A: Yes. Both conditions are common reasons for IVF referral. The stimulation protocol may need to be adjusted (particularly for PCOS to reduce the risk of hyperstimulation), but IVF can be highly effective for both.

Q9. What is the age limit for IVF in India?

A: Under the ART (Regulation) Act 2021, the upper age limit for IVF using own eggs is 50 years for women. However, clinically, outcomes with own eggs decline significantly after 40.

CITATIONS & REFERENCES

1. FertilityNetwork India — IVF in India: Process, Cost, Success Rate (updated April 2026) — https://www.fertilitynetwork.in/treatments/ivf
2. HomeIVF — IVF in India: Process, Cost, Success Rate (updated June 2026) — https://homeivf.com/treatments/ivf
3. Cloudnine Fertility — IVF Treatment in India: How Much Does It Cost? (updated 2026) — https://www.cloudninefertility.com/blog/ivf-treatment-in-india-how-much-does-it-cost
4. RISAA IVF — IVF Cost in India 2026 — https://drritabakshi.in/ivf-cost-in-india/
5. Srishti Fertility — IVF Success Rate by Age in India 2026 — https://srishtifertility.com/ivf-success-rate-by-age-group-in-2025/
6. Government of India — The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 — https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-assisted-reproductive-technology-regulation-act-2021
7. World Fertility Services — IVF Cost in India 2026 — https://worldfertilityservices.com/blog/ivf-cost-in-india-with-high-success-clinics/

When your newborn or child is admitted to an intensive care unit, the first few hours are often a blur of unfamiliar terms, fast-moving medical decisions, and overwhelming emotion. Two terms parents encounter almost immediately are NICU and PICU — and understanding the difference between them is one of the most useful things a parent can know in that moment.

This guide explains what each unit is, who it treats, what the levels of NICU care mean in practice, and what the experience of being a parent in either unit typically looks like.

What Is the NICU? 

NICU full form: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

A NICU is a specialised hospital unit that provides intensive medical care to newborn babies — typically those born premature, with low birth weight, or with medical conditions that require close monitoring and intervention from birth.

The neonatal intensive care unit cares for babies in the first 28 days of life. Its entire setup — equipment, staff training, medication protocols, and monitoring systems — is calibrated for the unique physiology of newborns whose organs are still developing.

Common Reasons a Baby Is Admitted to the NICU

• Premature birth (before 37 weeks gestation)
• Very low birth weight (under 2.5 kg; extreme cases under 1 kg)
• Respiratory distress — difficulty breathing at birth
• Neonatal jaundice requiring phototherapy
• Neonatal infections or sepsis
• Congenital conditions (heart defects, digestive issues, neural tube defects)
• Birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen during delivery)
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) in newborns

NICU Levels of Care: What Do They Mean?

Not all NICUs are the same. Hospitals classify NICU levels of care into four tiers, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics framework — widely adopted in India as well:

NICU Level	Also Called	What It Provides
Level I	Well Newborn Nursery	Basic newborn care for healthy, full-term babies; resuscitation if needed
Level II	Special Care Nursery (SNCU)	Care for moderately preterm babies (≥32 weeks) or those with non-critical conditions
Level III	NICU	Full intensive care: ventilators, advanced monitoring, IV nutrition, subspecialty support
Level IV	Regional NICU	Highest complexity; on-site neonatal surgery, ECMO (heart-lung bypass), and subspecialty care

What this means for parents: When a hospital says it has a “NICU,” it is most commonly referring to a Level III unit. Level II is often called an SNCU (Special Newborn Care Unit) in Indian hospitals. Knowing which level your hospital operates helps you understand what interventions are available on-site.

What Is the PICU? 

PICU full form: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

A PICU provides intensive medical care to infants, children, and adolescents — generally from one month of age up to 17 or 18 years. Where the NICU is designed exclusively for the newborn period, the PICU covers the much broader range of critical illness and injury that can affect a growing child at any stage of childhood.

Common Reasons a Child Is Admitted to the PICU

• Severe respiratory illness — pneumonia, acute asthma, bronchiolitis
• Sepsis or severe systemic infection
• Meningitis or encephalitis
• Trauma — road accidents, falls, head injuries
• Post-operative care after major surgery
• Cardiac conditions requiring intensive monitoring
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Poisoning or overdose

The PICU is staffed by paediatric intensivists — doctors specifically trained in critical care for children — alongside paediatric nurses, respiratory therapists, and surgical subspecialists.

NICU vs PICU: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	NICU	PICU
Full form	Neonatal Intensive Care Unit	Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Age group	Newborns (0–28 days)	Infants to adolescents (1 month–17 years)
Primary focus	Prematurity, low birth weight, birth complications	Critical illness, injury, post-surgical recovery
Specialists	Neonatologists, neonatal nurses	Paediatric intensivists, paediatric surgeons
Equipment	Incubators, neonatal ventilators, phototherapy units, radiant warmers	Larger ventilators, cardiac monitors, dialysis machines, BiPAP
Typical length of stay	Days to months (premature babies may stay until near their due date)	Usually shorter — days to weeks
Type of admission	Usually planned/anticipated (high-risk pregnancy, preterm birth)	Often emergency or acute
Parental role	Encouraged from Day 1 — kangaroo care, feeding support	Family present for comfort and communication

SNCU vs NICU: A Quick Clarification

Parents in India often encounter a third term: SNCU (Special Newborn Care Unit). In the Indian public health system, SNCUs are government-run newborn care units in district hospitals and smaller facilities. They function at approximately Level II — intermediate care for stable but vulnerable infants.

An SNCU can manage moderate prematurity, mild infections, and newborns needing oxygen support or phototherapy. For babies requiring ventilators, advanced monitoring, or surgical intervention, transfer to a Level III/IV NICU is needed.

In private hospitals in Mumbai, the Level II function is usually incorporated within the NICU setup itself.

What to Expect as a Parent in the NICU or PICU

Being told your child is going to the NICU or PICU is one of the most frightening things a parent can hear. Here is what most families find helpful to know:

You will be kept informed. Doctors and nurses will brief you regularly on your child’s condition, treatment plan, and progress. Do not hesitate to ask questions — write them down if needed.

You can be present. Both units encourage parental presence. In the NICU especially, skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) has proven clinical benefits for premature babies — improved temperature regulation, feeding, and bonding.

The equipment looks alarming — but it is doing its job. Monitors, tubes, and ventilators are tools, not signs of deterioration. Ask your care team to explain what each piece of equipment is doing for your child.

Your emotions are valid. Anxiety, grief, guilt, and fear are all normal. Most units in Mumbai have counsellors or social workers available to support families. Use them.

Discharge planning begins early. Particularly in the NICU, the team starts discussing what care your baby will need at home well before discharge — feeding support, follow-up visits, and developmental monitoring.

Neonatal Care at Dr. Shernaz’s Clinic, Malad West

For new parents in Malad West and surrounding areas of Mumbai, access to experienced neonatal guidance — both during pregnancy and after birth — makes a significant difference in outcomes.

Dr. Shernaz Damkevala (Dastur) provides dedicated neonatal care alongside comprehensive maternity services, with particular attention to high-risk pregnancies, premature births, and newborn health monitoring. If you are expecting and have concerns about your baby’s health, or if your newborn has recently been discharged from a NICU and you need ongoing care and follow-up, an early consultation ensures nothing is missed.

Explore maternity care services for expecting mothers, or gynaecology services for any related pregnancy concerns.

FAQs

Q1. What is the full form of NICU?

A: NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit — a specialised unit providing intensive care to newborn babies, especially premature or critically ill ones.

Q2. What is the full form of PICU?

A: PICU stands for Pediatric Intensive Care Unit — a unit that provides intensive care to infants, children, and adolescents up to 17 years of age.

Q3. What is the main difference between NICU and PICU?

A: The primary difference is the age group. NICU cares for newborns (0–28 days), while PICU cares for older infants, children, and teenagers. They also differ in the conditions treated, equipment used, and specialist staff.

Q4. What are the levels of NICU care?

A: NICU care is classified into four levels — Level I (basic newborn nursery), Level II (special care/SNCU), Level III (full intensive care with ventilators and monitoring), and Level IV (regional NICU with surgical capability).

Q5. What is an SNCU and how is it different from a NICU?

A: SNCU (Special Newborn Care Unit) is equivalent to a Level II nursery — for stable but vulnerable newborns who need oxygen, phototherapy, or feeding support. A NICU (Level III/IV) provides full intensive care including mechanical ventilation and subspecialty support.

Q6. How long do babies stay in the NICU?

A: It varies widely. Some babies stay a few days; very premature babies may stay for weeks or even months — often until they reach close to their original due date.

Q7. Can parents visit their baby in the NICU?

A: Yes. Most NICUs in India actively encourage parental presence, including skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care, which has documented clinical benefits for premature babies.

Q8. What conditions does the PICU treat?

A: The PICU treats a wide range of serious conditions including severe pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, trauma, post-surgical recovery, cardiac conditions, and diabetic emergencies in children.

Q9. Is NICU care available in Malad West, Mumbai?

A: Dr. Shernaz Damkevala (Dastur) provides neonatal care at Ahura Nursing Home, Malad West, Mumbai. For specialised NICU-level care, she can guide families to appropriate referral centres if needed and provides post-NICU follow-up care.

Q10. When should I consult a neonatologist after my baby is discharged from the NICU?

A: You should schedule a follow-up within 1–2 weeks of discharge, or sooner if your baby shows signs of feeding difficulty, abnormal breathing, jaundice, or poor weight gain. Early follow-up is particularly important for premature babies.

CITATIONS & REFERENCES

1. Aster Hospitals — NICU vs PICU: Understanding Levels of Intensive Care in Children — https://www.asterhospitals.in/blogs-events-news/aster-women-children-bangalore/nicu-vs-picu-understanding-levels-of-intensive-care-children
2. Sapling Hospitals — NICU vs PICU: Key Differences in Critical Care for Children (March 2026) — https://saplinghospitals.com/blogs/nicu-vs-picu-care-differences-explained
3. Max Healthcare — Understanding the Difference Between NICU and PICU Care for Babies — https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/understanding-difference-between-nicu-and-picu-care-babies
4. Cloudnine Hospitals — NICU/PICU Specialty Care — https://www.cloudninecare.com/service-types/nicu-hospital
5. Aakash Medical — NICU Full Form in Medical: Complete Guide — https://www.aakash.ac.in/blog/nicu-full-form-in-medical/
6. Unittas Hospital — NICU and the Different Levels of Neonatal Care — https://unittas.in/health/nicu-levels-of-neonatal-care.html
7. American Academy of Pediatrics — Levels of Neonatal Care — https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/130/3/587/30766/Levels-of-Neonatal-Care