Understanding Gestational Surrogacy: A Guide for Families

When you consider surrogacy, there is a lot to learn – for you and your family. Here is a short guide on everything you need to know and some links where you can explore the topic further.

It all begins with the Intended Parents (IP) and Gestational Surrogates. Most of the surrogates we work with are gestational surrogates, meaning that they carry the pregnancy, but are not genetically related to the child. The intended mother’s egg or that of an egg donor is fertilized by the intended father’s or donor sperm through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and transferred to the uterus of the GS.

Surrogacy Terms You’ll Want to Know

Matching. The surrogacy agency works with the Intended Parents and Surrogates to find the best fit for both. They meet in person when possible and both parties must agree before a relationship is formed.

IVF Cycling. The surrogate mother and intended mother synchronize their reproductive cycles through the use of hormones to maximize the chances of successful transfer.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This is a process by which eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the womb by a reproductive endocrinologist at an IVF clinic. The resultant embryos are transferred to the surrogate.

Egg Donor. A woman who donates eggs for surrogacy or other forms of ART (assisted reproductive technology).

Selective Reduction. The removal of one or more embryos from the surrogate mother to increase the odds that one or two babies will be carried to term successfully.

All these Acronyms! IP, IVF, ART…What does it all mean?

Additional Questions You And Your Family May Have:

What is the role of the surrogacy agency? The agency acts as a trusted advisor throughout the entire journey to parenthood. The surrogacy agency works hand-in-hand with the couple, legal advisors, physicians, and surrogates to facilitate the pregnancy plan and a healthy delivery.

What is a Birth Order? It’s a contract that gives full parental rights to the IPs by having their names listed on the child’s birth certificate and releases the surrogate from any parental rights or obligations. Why do I need one?

How much does surrogacy cost?

What options do we have to pay for surrogacy?

 

Still wondering if surrogacy is the right choice for you and your family?

Here are just a few of our success stories:

Erin and Jesse now have two healthy boys, after PCOS derailed their plans to start a family.

Ed and Anthony welcomed a daughter into their loving family with the help of Surrogate Solutions.

Jenna and Mark were able to add a baby boy to their family when Jenna’s doctor advised against a second pregnancy.

The staff at Surrogate Solutions is not just passionate about helping infertile couples create families; we’ve been there ourselves as intended parents or gestational surrogates.

As an agency who has guided literally hundreds of families through their surrogacy journey, there is little we have not seen before. So if you have a question you are afraid to ask, or a concern you have not seen addressed anywhere, please just give us a call. Gayle and the Surrogate Solutions family are here to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact us today.

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