If you’re considering being a surrogate, you probably have a lot of questions about the journey ahead: What does it involve? What is my compensation rate? Who are the intended parents?
If you’re asking, “What is the surrogacy medical process like?” you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you can learn everything you need to know about the medication and procedures you should be prepared for as a gestational carrier. While they are safe and come with little risks, it can still be a scary process for many — and it’s important you’re comfortable with it before moving forward.
Fortunately, should you choose to work with our full-service surrogacy program, you’ll receive all the information you need about this process before starting. We know how big of a deal gestational surrogacy is, which is why our team is always available to answer your questions when you contact us online or call us at 814-237-7900. Whether that’s more information on the PA surrogacy medical process or something else, we’ll be happy to provide what you need to feel comfortable.
In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from the surrogacy medical process in Pennsylvania.
Step 1: Medical and Psychological Screening
Before you can even begin any surrogacy treatment in Pennsylvania, you must first prove your eligibility as a surrogate candidate. Surrogacy can come with its challenges and risks, so it’s not the right fit for everyone. Not only will you be required to meet certain requirements prior to starting, you will also have to undergo additional screening once you start working with our team.
First, a prospective surrogate will complete a psychological evaluation with a trained mental health professional. During this evaluation, you will discuss your expectations for the upcoming process, as well as your emotions and potential what-if situations.
If you are approved by this professional and match with intended parents through our program, you will then need to complete a medical screening. Typically, this ART surrogacy screening takes place at the intended parents’ fertility clinic. The exact screening will vary by clinic but often includes:
- Pap smear and physical
- Bloodwork for you and your spouse (if applicable)
- A saline sonogram
- And more
Our team will coordinate with the clinic’s professionals to help you complete this step. Only after you are approved by the clinic will you be able to move forward with the rest of the surrogacy process.
Step 2: Fertility Medical Protocol and Mock Cycle
The first step in the actual surrogacy medical process is preparing your body for embryo transfer. This involves regulating your menstrual cycle to ensure you are at peak fertility when it comes time to move the intended parents’ embryo. Your doctor will accomplish this by prescribing a fertility medical protocol.
Typically, your protocol will include oral medications and injections. So, yes, surrogates have to have shots to prepare their body for embryo transfer. This can be an uncomfortable part of the process but, with proper preparation, you can reduce the side effects that you experience during this step. Your exact medical protocol will be determined by the reproductive endocrinologist and may vary based on your personal health history.
Your doctor may also perform a mock cycle to ensure your body is responding appropriately to your medication. Again, this will depend on the clinic’s policies.
Step 3: Embryo Creation (If Necessary)
In most gestational surrogacy journeys, this step is condensed or even skipped entirely. That’s because many intended parents already have frozen embryos ready to go. There is no “IVF surrogacy” process in gestational surrogacy; instead, the embryos are simply transferred to a surrogate’s uterus when she is ready.
However, if your intended parents are using a fresh embryo cycle, your doctor may need to take extra steps when lining up your cycle with that of the egg donor or intended mother. Don’t worry — you’ll know this from the start, and your doctor will ensure you get the care and support you need in this situation.
Step 4: Embryo Transfer
Once your doctor confirms you are ready, you will travel to the intended parents’ fertility clinic for the actual embryo transfer procedure. This is usually a quick and painless procedure; you will lie on an examination table, and the agreed-upon number of embryos will be transferred to your uterus. Past surrogates describe this experience as similar to receiving a pap smear — uncomfortable but not painful. The intended parents will likely be there to support you during this step in the surrogacy medical process.
Your clinic may require you to rest for a few hours after the procedure, but there will typically be minimal side effects afterward. A few days later, your blood levels will be tested to confirm your pregnancy.
Step 5: Your Gestational Pregnancy and Delivery
After your pregnancy is confirmed, you will work with your local obstetrician for the remainder of your surrogacy medical process. You will get to choose the OBGYN you see for prenatal care, just as you will get to choose the hospital at which you will deliver.
You’ll want to keep your intended parents updated during your pregnancy, sending them any important doctor’s notices. They may even be present at important appointments, such as sonograms. They will most certainly be present at their child’s birth, which you will plan for together with a hospital plan. Our surrogacy team can help you prepare for this step in the surrogacy medical process, as well.
After you deliver their baby, your journey will be complete! While you will need some recovery time after birth, it is typically less than if you were caring for a child afterward. Many surrogates return to work a week or so after delivery, but that decision will always be up to you.
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While this article likely addresses some of the questions you have about the PA surrogacy process, we know it can’t possibly answer them all. That’s why our surrogacy team is always ready to help when you give us a call at 814-237-7900. We are here to ensure you are 100 percent comfortable with the process before moving forward, and we’re happy to connect you to a local fertility clinic for more information, should you desire.
Ready to get started today? Submit our surrogate application here.
