Surrogacy Info

Now that the contract is complete, you are probably very anxious to get the cycle started. The first phase in the medical process is preliminary testing. The surrogate mother will undergo extensive screening to determine her ability to carry and deliver a healthy baby to term. Typically, the surrogate and her spouse will also undergo a psychological exam to ensure they are mentally capable of the entire surrogacy journey. In many cases, the intended parents will also complete a psychological exam and some medical testing, too.

Finding a Reproductive Specialist

Many physicians can perform in-vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination. In fact, some obstetricians offer these services right in their office. Check with your doctor to see if he/she will provide any of these services or they may refer you to someone they know.

If your doctor does not practice reproductive medicine, it will be necessary to find a specialist. Depending on the location of the intended parents and the surrogate mother, you may decide to have more than one reproductive specialist. In some cases, the intended parents see a doctor near their home and the surrogate mother visits a doctor near her home. Sometimes, a surrogate mother will have regular monitoring by a doctor near her and travel to the main reproductive specialist for big appointments such as egg retrieval, insemination or embryo transfer. This can save lots of time and money that would be spent on travel when the intended parents and surrogate mother live far apart.

On the other hand, some intended parents want to be very involved in the entire process and may decide that travel expenses are necessary to provide the experience they're hoping to achieve. Once you decide where you'd like you're reproductive specialist to be located, there are several important things to consider before making your decision.

 

Each reproductive specialist has his/her own guidelines for required medical testing. Typically, a surrogate mother will be required to submit a blood test that will screen for HIV, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Hepatitis B Core AB, Hepatitis C Antibody, RPR, CMV/IGG/IGM, Rubella Titer, Varicella Titer, ABO & RH (Blood Type). She will also have a physical exam that includes a head-to-toe assessment, PAP smear and internal ultrasound. The doctor will ensure that the surrogate is fit to conceive and carry a baby to term based on several factors including her age, weight, number of children she has previously delivered, health of children she has previously delivered, complications of previous pregnancies, disease or other conditions relevant to the proposed pregnancy.

 

In addition to testing for the surrogate mother, the intended parents are frequently required to submit to medical testing as well. This is especially true for the parent(s) whose egg or sperm will be used to conceive the baby. A blood test similar to the surrogate's is usually ordered to screen for HIV, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Hepatitis B Core AB, Hepatitis C Antibody, RPR, CMV/IGG/IGM, Rubella Titer, Varicella Titer, ABO & RH (Blood Type) . Additionally, the intended mother may be asked to have a physical exam that includes a head-to-toe assessment.

If she is planning to use her own eggs, she will also be required to have additional testing such as a PAP smear and internal ultrasound. The intended father will also undergo similar bloodwork and may be asked to have a physical exam including a head-to-toe assessment and sometimes a sperm analysis. This is used to determine the viability of the intended father's sperm and is especially helpful when these sperm are going to be used for fertilization.

Psychological Testing

In addition to very thorough medical screening, the surrogate mother and intended parents should consult with a licensed psychologist to determine mental capability to proceed with this surrogate pregnancy. The psychologist will speak to all parties separately and ask lots of questions about the anticipated experience. It is very important to identify some of the emotional issues that may arise during the course of this journey.

 

 

 

TRADITIONAL SURROGATE

Be Between the age of 21 and 33 years of age
Non-smoker
BMI less than 35
Previously successfully given birth
Have an uncomplicated history of pregnancy and birth
No genetic or hereditary illnesses
Reside in a emotionally and financial stable environment
Have the support of spouse/partner and immediate family members
Be willing to travel if the need arises
Be willing to undergo Medical and Psychological testing

GESTATIONAL SURROGATE
Be Between the age of 21 and 40 years of age
Non-Smoker BMI less than 35
Previously successfully given birth
Have an uncomplicated history of pregnancy and birth
Reside in a emotionally and financial stable environment
Have the support of spouse/partner and immediate family members
Be willing to travel if the need arises
Be willing to undergo Medical and Psychological testing
Be able to withstand injections and fertility medications 

EGG DONORS
Between the ages of 21 and 30 years of age
Non-Smoker
Reside in a emotionally stable environment
Be willing to travel if the need arise
Have the support of a spouse/partner and immediate family members
No genetic or hereditary illnesses
BMI Less than 35
Be willing to undergo medical and psychological testing
Be able to withstand injections and fertility medications