The IVF Process for Gestational Surrogates
If you are considering becoming a gestational surrogate, you may know that one of the primary surrogate mother requirements is that you must already have given birth without complications and have one child at home. One important reason for this rule is so gestational surrogates have a clear idea of what to expect as they carry a baby to term. At the same time, if this is your first time as a gestational surrogate, there is one part of the process you won’t have experienced previously.
Preparing for the Embryo
As you likely understand already, IVF (in-vitro fertilization) begins with the egg and sperm being introduced in a laboratory environment. Once the egg has been fertilized, it becomes an embryo and is ready to be transplanted. That’s where you come in. The procedure is simple and most patients do not find it unpleasant.
In the weeks before the implantation, gestational surrogates are given prescriptions for medications that will increase the chances of a pregnancy following the IVF implantation procedure. These will typically include progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone that will prepare the uterus lining for pregnancy. It may also involve a course of birth control medication to synchronize the respective menstrual cycles of the mother and surrogate.
During this period, gestational surrogates need to take especially good care of themselves. This includes getting plenty of sleep and eating a well-balanced, healthy diet to optimize your strength and ability to carry out the nearly miraculous feat of bringing a new child into the world.
Implanting the Embryo
This part of the process is not so different from getting other types of minor medical tests and procedures, such as a pap smear. There should be little or no actual pain associated with implanting the embryo, but it will be necessary for you to have a full bladder during the procedure which, as you can guess, may not be completely comfortable. If you are particularly nervous about the procedure, you can ask the doctor if sedation is feasible in your case.
The procedure itself employs a catheter and an ultrasound monitor. Medical personnel will use the monitor to negotiate the cervix and place the embryo in the correct portion of the uterus. You will be able to leave the facility shortly afterward.
Over the next two weeks, you will continue taking medications and taking excellent care of yourself and the possible new life inside of you.
Becoming Pregnant
Embryos does not always “take” on the first attempt so after two weeks it will be time to visit the doctor to see if you have become pregnant. If the news is good, the IVF team will continue monitoring your progress for as long as three months. After that, the gestational surrogate is looked after by an ob-gyn as in a traditional pregnancy.
The Gestational Surrogacy Journey
As with any pregnancy journey, hormones are likely to lead to mood swings that may be familiar to you and post-partum depression will be a possibility. Our team at Global Surrogacy Services will make sure that you are provided with complete medical care that will include all needed psychological services, including counseling.
Recovery is typically uneventful as the surrogate returns to her prior life better off for the experience and the happy intended parents begin their long parental journey. For the most part, we’ve found that the wonderful women who become gestational surrogates find the process rewarding and inspiring regardless of the inevitable ups and downs.
Gestational Surrogacy the Right Way
Having a baby under any circumstances can be both wonderful and challenging but taking advantage of the opportunity afforded by gestational surrogacy brings up new questions and challenges. That’s why it may be essential to have the support of a reputable surrogacy agency to ensure your welfare is protected throughout the process.
Global Surrogacy Services has helped to ensure positive experiences between intended parents and gestational surrogates for years; coordinating between all parties as well as medical and legal professionals to ensure everyone’s welfare. We prioritize surrogate health and compensation not only because surrogacy obviously requires surrogates but also because we understand the unique challenges these wonderful women face.
If you are interested in working with us to play a key role in the natural magic of creating a new life, please get in touch with us today by filling out the form on our page about how to become a surrogate. You can also reach us by phone at the number on your screen.