The journey of surrogacy is a remarkable path to growing families filled with hope, anticipation, and a sense of shared purpose. Whether you’re an intended parent or a surrogate, this guide will help you navigate the medical aspects of surrogacy with confidence and peace of mind.
Initial Consultations and Screenings
Firstly, the medical process of surrogacy begins with initial consultations and screenings for the intended parents. These consultations generally occur at a fertility clinic and involve a comprehensive review of medical histories, physical examinations, and various tests.
For the Intended Parents:
- Fertility Testing: The intended parents may undergo fertility testing to determine the best approach for creating viable embryos.
- Genetic Testing: Genetic testing may be recommended to screen for hereditary conditions.
Creating the Embryos
Once the initial screening is complete, then the next step involves creating embryos. This process is where eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory to create embryos.
Steps in Embryo Creation:
- Ovarian Stimulation: The intended mother or egg donor undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs.
- Egg Retrieval: The eggs are retrieved from the ovaries during a minor surgical procedure.
- Fertilization: The eggs are fertilized with sperm from the intended father or sperm donor in a laboratory.
- Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs, now embryos, are cultured for several days before being assessed for quality.
For the Surrogate:
- Medical Evaluation: The surrogate will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure she is healthy and capable of carrying a pregnancy to term.
- Psychological Screening: A psychological assessment is conducted to ensure the surrogate is emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey.
Embryo Transfer
Undeniably, a critical step in the medical process of surrogacy is the embryo transfer. Therefore, only the highest quality embryo is selected for transfer to the surrogate’s uterus.
Steps in Embryo Transfer:
- Preparation of the Surrogate: The surrogate’s uterine lining is prepared through hormonal treatments to ensure it is ready to receive the embryos.
- Transfer Procedure: The embryo is carefully transferred into the surrogate’s uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure is generally painless and does not require anesthesia.
- Confirmation of Pregnancy: A blood test is conducted 10-14 days after the embryo transfer to confirm whether the surrogate is pregnant.
Prenatal Care and Monitoring
Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate will receive regular prenatal care while pregnant to monitor the baby’s health and development. This includes routine check-ups, ultrasounds, and any necessary medical tests. The intended parents are often involved in these appointments, fostering a connection with the surrogate and their baby.
- Legal Procedures: The intended parents complete the legal procedures during the pregnancy to establish their parental rights, ensuring a smooth transition.
Delivery and Post-Birth Care
Undeniably, the most exciting part is reaching the final stage of surrogacy, when the baby is delivered! The surrogate will deliver the baby at a hospital, where medical professionals will support both her and the intended parents.
Post-Birth Steps:
- Medical Care for the Surrogate: The surrogate receives postpartum care to ensure her recovery and well-being.
- Newborn Care: The baby undergoes a series of health assessments and receives any necessary medical care.
Understanding the medical process of surrogacy is essential for a successful and fulfilling surrogacy journey. From initial consultations and screenings to embryo transfer and delivery, each step ensures the health and well-being of the surrogate, the intended parents, and the baby. By being well-informed and prepared, you can confidently and easily navigate the medical aspects of surrogacy. Ready to begin? Contact us here to learn more!
