Building A Family Through A Surrogate:
What Is Surrogacy?

When people think about building a family, they might consider alternative methods such as surrogacy. But what is surrogacy? What does “surrogate” mean? 

Surrogacy typically involves intended parents working with a woman to create and carry a pregnancy. In many cases, the child has biological ties to the intended parents. Parental rights are established during pregnancy and once the pregnancy is complete, the intended parents take custody of the child. 

If you want to explore surrogacy as an option, you’re not alone. We can help you understand how surrogacy works and what it can mean for you. 

What Is a Surrogate Pregnancy and How Does It Work?

What is surrogacy?  Surrogacy means having another person go through a pregnancy on your behalf. 

Gestational surrogacy is the most common type of surrogacy, and it involves the use of IVF to create an embryo that is implanted in the surrogate. The surrogate does not share a biological tie to the child.

Traditional surrogates use their own eggs and go through a procedure to accept the sperm of another person to create the pregnancy. This type of surrogacy is quite uncommon, as it can create legal hurdles that are more difficult for intended parents to clear.

So, how does the surrogacy journey work? The process begins by finding a surrogate, usually through an agency that specializes in surrogacy. Intended parents need to deposit all funds in escrow prior to the surrogate’s pregnancy. 

Once intended parents agree to these terms, they can match with a surrogate and start the process. If the intended parents plan to provide eggs or sperm for the IVF process, they’ll need to go through a medical process to harvest them. Embryologists create an embryo using the genetic material and implant it inside the surrogate. Once the embryo implantation is successful, the surrogate goes through the pregnancy with plenty of support. 

The parental rights process begins at 25 weeks and is completed at 30 weeks. 

What Does The Medical Process of Surrogacy Involve?

The medical process of surrogacy involves several important steps to help achieve a successful pregnancy. First, the intended parents choose a fertility clinic to manage the medical procedures. Once the clinic is selected, the surrogate goes through a comprehensive medical evaluation, which includes blood tests and imaging to check her health and ability to carry a baby. 

Next, the surrogate’s menstrual cycle is synchronized with that of the egg donor or intended mother. This timing is important for a successful embryo transfer. The gestational carrier also typically takes part in a mock (or trial) cycle that mimics the medication routine used during the embryo transfer. This helps to see how her uterine lining responds to the medications and prepares it for the embryo. 

After that, fertility specialists retrieve eggs from the intended mother or donor and fertilize them in the lab with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The resulting embryos are carefully monitored, and the healthiest one or two are chosen for transfer into the surrogate’s uterus. This procedure is simple and does not require anesthesia. 

After the transfer, the surrogate continues taking hormone medications to support the early stages of pregnancy. The medical team keeps a close eye on the surrogate throughout the pregnancy with regular ultrasounds and blood tests to track the health of both her and the baby. By working with experienced medical professionals, the surrogacy process can proceed smoothly, maximizing the chances of success for everyone involved. 

What Is a Surrogate Mother?

A gestational surrogate carries a pregnancy on behalf of others who cannot conceive on their own. Typically, surrogates have already completed their families, or they have successfully gone through one pregnancy. This experience helps them know that they can complete a pregnancy, and it makes it easier for them to plan for the experience. 

In general, candidates must meet a number of requirements to becoming a surrogate, some requirements are: 

  • Aged from 21 to 38
  • Healthy BMI
  • Healthy home life
  • No criminal background

It is essential that surrogates also have great support at home during the surrogacy journey.

Who Uses Surrogates?

You might be surprised by the variety of people who choose surrogacy to create their families. People who are more likely to opt for surrogacy includes:

  • People with certain medical conditions
  • Single parents
  • LGBTQ+ couples
  • Women who cannot carry a pregnancy for health reasons

If you’re wondering if surrogacy is right for you, you’re in good company. 

ISC Can Help You Build a Family

At International Surrogacy Center, we can answer your questions and concerns to see if you are a good match for surrogacy. We aim to provide a valuable service that gives you support when you need it and helps you navigate the process. To learn more about how we can assist you, get in touch today.

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