Heart Evangelista Opens Up About Losses And Surrogacy Challenges

Heart Evangelista recently shared a personal chapter of her life, recounting her experiences with pregnancy, loss, and healing. Speaking candidly on her own reality show Heart World, the actress and fashion icon opened up about the trauma of her miscarriages and the lessons she has learned through her struggles.

ALSO READ: Heart Evangelista Opens Up About Losing A Baby

Heart admitted that she never saw herself becoming a mother when she was younger. Growing up, she associated having children with responsibilities she felt unprepared to handle. However, after marrying Senate President Chiz Escudero, her perspective changed. The couple decided to try for a baby, and within two months, Heart discovered she was pregnant with twins.

"I would be afraid to have a child when I was young kasi I was afraid of the responsibilities. Then when I really wanted to have a child, it only took me two months, and I was pregnant right away. I had twins," Heart said.

She added, "Nagulat pa nga ako kasi may lahi kaming kambal, and si Chiz din, mayroon din silang lahing kambal."

Heart's Painful Journey Through Miscarriage

Heart revealed that she was diagnosed with Vanishing Twin Syndrome early in her pregnancy, a condition where one twin is lost during the early stages of development. Although one baby initially remained, heartbreak followed during a routine ultrasound four months later.

"So the Vanishing Twin Syndrome is a complicated one because about 50 to 60 percent ang sabi sa akin 'yung matitirang bata would be a very special child. Kasi ganoon daw 'yung usual case, and at that time I didn't really care basta aalagaan ko 'yung bata," she shared.

"Four months into the pregnancy, I was getting the ultrasound, and there was no heartbeat. I can say that now without crying kasi tumibay na ang loob ko but it was very traumatizing for me. After that, I didn't want to have a baby for a long time," Heart recounted.

The ordeal became even more difficult as doctors advised against an induced abortion, instead recommending a natural process. Heart continued with her public engagements, even attending New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, all while privately grieving her loss.

"They wanted me to pass it out naturally," Heart explained. "Nabaliw-baliw ako ng konti. I was doing Fashion Week, and people thought I was having a good [time]. I did New York, I did Paris pa nga, and akala nila okay lang ako. Pero may dinadala pa akong bata."

Reflecting on the painful experience, Heart admitted that she questioned why it had happened to her. "Parang inisip ko, [parang] mabait naman ako, bakit ganon?" she said.

ALSO READ: ‘Wala Nang Heartbeat Si Baby,’ Gabay Para Sa Mga Magulang Na Nakaranas Ng Miscarriage

Heart's Surrogacy Struggles

Despite the setbacks, Heart and Chiz explored surrogacy as a path to parenthood. However, both attempts were unsuccessful, with embryos showing signs of life but failing to develop fully.

"I did a test and nalaman ko, there's nothing wrong with me, and in fairness nothing wrong with Chiz. But basically my body, even when I was in my 30s, parang 'yung production ng eggs ko para na akong nasa late 40s. So konti na lang 'yung natitirang eggs sa 'kin," she said.

Of the four eggs harvested, only two were viable. One of them, a baby girl, was implanted in a surrogate but was eventually lost. "Medyo masakit kasi parang iniisip ko boy and girl 'yun, last girl ko na 'yun," she recalled.

The couple's final attempt with a male embryo also ended in loss after one week. "Nabuo siya, parang mayroon na siyang heartbeat. Then after one week, ayon hindi rin siya nag-ano [survive]. So that one was very hard for me because for me, that was my last try," Heart said. The actress publicly revealed her fourth miscarriage on Mother’s Day this year, naming the angel FrancisKo.

Although Heart has not had biological children, she finds fulfillment in her relationships with Chiz’s children, Chesi and Quino Escudero, whom she considers her own. She also shared that she has cared for Chesi since she was four, playfully calling her a "nightmare," while describing Quino as the "angel."

Heart’s love for animals also brings her solace and joy. She has three fur babies, namely Panda, an aspin, and Shuti and Pochi. These dogs have been a source of comfort and healing during her most challenging times.

Read here for personal stories of hope from moms who experienced pregnancy loss.