It’s tough to hear, but it’s a story that needs to be told. Gabrielle Union, the beloved star of "Being Mary Jane," has always been open about her personal battles with infertility and the challenges of IVF treatments. But in her new memoir, We’re Going to Need More Wine, she dives deeper into her emotional journey. Gabrielle shares how she and her husband, NBA superstar Dwyane Wade, spent three long years trying to start their family but faced heartbreak after heartbreak, including multiple miscarriages.

In a deeply personal excerpt shared with People, the 44-year-old actress reveals, “I have had eight or nine miscarriages.” She goes on to describe how her body felt like a “prisoner” during those years, constantly undergoing IVF cycles. “For three years, my body has been consumed by the process of trying to get pregnant—always preparing for an IVF cycle, in the middle of one, or recovering from it,” she writes. Her words paint a vivid picture of the emotional and physical toll infertility can take on a person.

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My #MCE ❤️ @dwyanewade He cute😍
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A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion) on Sep 25, 2017 at 8:06pm PDT

Side Effects and Emotional Turmoil

Gabrielle talks about the side effects that came with the hormonal treatments, including constant bloating. Despite the physical discomfort, she and Dwyane remain hopeful and committed to building their family. “We remain bursting with love and ready to do anything to meet the child we’ve both dreamed of,” she writes. It’s a powerful statement that shows their resilience and determination.

From Step-Mom to Dreaming of Her Own Child

Gabrielle married Dwyane Wade in 2014. At the time, she didn’t think she wanted children, but becoming a stepmom to his three sons—Zaire, Zion, and Xavier—changed her perspective. The couple also takes care of Dwyane’s 16-year-old nephew, Dahveon Morris. Gabrielle says that being a stepmom has been incredibly rewarding, but societal pressure can still weigh heavily on women who struggle with fertility. Even well-meaning family and friends can unintentionally add to the pain when they ask about future children.

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I got a really big team! I've always looked at being a father as God's greatest gift… Its nothing better than hearing these 4 call me Dad,pops,daada and uncle. I wanna thank Zaire, Dahveon, Zion and Xavier for allowing me to lead them thru life as their father. All of us have been thru alot to stand together…but that's a fight I'll sign up for 7 days a week and twice on sunday… Happy Father's day to myself. I've fought hard for this day. #Happyfathersday
A post shared by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade) on Jun 19, 2016 at 2:48pm PDT
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Societal Expectations and Honest Reflections

Gabrielle reflects on the societal pressures women face, especially those in the public eye. “For so many women, and not just women in the spotlight, people feel very entitled to know, ‘Do you want kids?’” she explains. She acknowledges that many women dealing with fertility issues choose to say “no” when asked about having children because it’s easier than explaining their personal struggles. “That’s a lot easier than being honest about whatever is actually going on,” she adds. Her honesty is both brave and relatable, offering comfort to others who may be going through similar experiences.