THE GESTATIONAL SURROGACY PROCESS
By – Rite Options
The decision to start the gestational surrogacy process is a complex and emotionally challenging one; for both parties. There are certain procedural and medical realities that potential surrogates need to know. Although there is no typical case, for majority of surrogacy centres, the gestational process entails the following: 1. Eggs 2. Routine Tests 3. Preparation for Embryo Transfer 4. In Vitro Fertilization 5. Follow-Up Blood Tests
Eggs The oocytes or eggs are obtained from a third party donor or the intended mother and NOT from the gestational surrogate. Hence why this is called gestational surrogacy. If eggs from the surrogate are used, the process is referred to as traditional surrogacy.
Routine Tests • The intended parents select the fertility centre. There, the surrogate will be
requested to undergo a vaginal ultrasound to examine the health of her uterus. A hysteroscopy may also be requested which involves inserting a small camera into the uterus. In addition, blood tests will also be performed to rule out communicable diseases like AIDs, hepatitis and herpes. A mammogram and updated pap smear test will also be requested.
Preparation for Embryo Transfer • Timing
matters immensely during an embryo transfer. A surrogate will be administered several medications to prep her uterus for embryo implantation. For instance, she may have to take birth control pills at the start of her menstrual cycle. Estrogen may be started at the same time as the intended mom or donor to co-ordinate your cycles. This is performed to obtain a “fresh” egg. Prior to harvesting the eggs, the surrogate may be administered progesterone to prep her uterus for implantation. Even during an embryo transfer cycle involving “frozen” eggs, the surrogate will have to take hormones injected via self-injections.
• Specific medications will depend on the surrogate as well and will be discussed by the physician.
In Vitro Fertilization • The process of in vitro fertilization occurs at a fertility centre. Hormones are
administered to the egg donor intended mother to prompt ovulation. Her eggs are then harvested through a procedure called aspiration. Millions of sperm cells are combined with the eggs and incubated to promote fertilization. Once the embryos are formed, the IVF physician will flush the embryos from the liquid medium in which they were developing and place them into surrogate mother’s womb. She will be requested to lay down for some time and to continue resting at home.
Follow-Up Blood Tests • Two
weeks after the embryo transfer has taken place, a blood test is administered to confirm the occurrence of pregnancy. At this point, progesterone and estrogen medications will also commence.
Choose Rite Options • At
Rite Options, we work closely with our surrogate mothers, intended parents, doctors and medical professionals. It is while working together, that we can build a healthy, trusting and reliable relationship. This is key in overcoming much of the emotional turmoil and anxiety involved in the gestational surrogacy process.
Thank You To learn more about gestational surrogacy, contact Rite Options Gestational Surrogacy Services Address(1): 1225 Franklin Avenue Suite 325, Garden City, NY 11530 Address(2): 1800 JFK Blvd Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (516) 512-8888
Phone: 1(888)512-3220
Fax: (516) 512-8892
Fax: 1(484)222-2526
Visit - https://www.riteoptions.com/