Surrogate Process
Learn about the Process of Gestational Surrogacy
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Surrogacy Process
Your Surrogacy Journey: A Guided Path
First lets explain what is a gestational carrier – a GC.
A Gestational Carrier (GC) is a woman who carries a pregnancy for another person or couple, known as the Intended Parents (IPs). It’s important to understand that the GC has no genetic relation to the child she carries.
The process typically involves In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The Intended Parents will provide their own eggs and sperm, or use donor eggs or sperm, to create embryos. These embryos are then transferred to the gestational carrier, who will carry the pregnancy to term.
The surrogacy process typically spans an average of 15 months or more from your initial application through to the joyous moment of delivery. Becoming a surrogate is an extraordinary and fulfilling experience, and at Fertility Heaven, you will be supported by both a dedicated surrogate specialist and a case manager throughout your entire journey.
Here’s a general outline of the steps involved in the surrogacy process with Fertility Heaven:
Start Your Surrogacy Journey: Apply Today
Once you submit your surrogacy application, our team will carefully review it to determine if you meet the initial qualifications to proceed to the next step: a personal consultation.
During this consultation, we will provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the surrogacy process, discuss the compensation you will receive, and explore the types of families you would be most comfortable and excited to match with. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and for us to get to know you better as we begin this incredible journey together.
Next Steps: Medical Record Review and OB/GYN Clearancel
If, after your consultation, we determine that you are a good candidate for surrogacy, the next step involves a review of your medical history. We will request your prenatal and delivery records, as well as your most recent Pap smear results. These records will be carefully evaluated to ensure that you can carry a pregnancy and deliver a baby without significant complications.
To facilitate this process, we will provide you with a clearance letter for your OB/GYN to complete. This letter allows your doctor to provide us with their professional opinion regarding your suitability for surrogacy.
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
In addition to the OB/GYN clearance and Pap smear, you will also need a thorough medical evaluation by your primary care physician. This evaluation will include bloodwork to assess important health indicators such as:
- Vitamin D levels
- Presence of anemia
- Cholesterol levels
- Thyroid function
This comprehensive assessment helps ensure you are in optimal health to proceed with the surrogacy journey.
Psychological Assessment and Consultation
To ensure a well-supported and positive surrogacy experience for everyone involved, our experienced psychologist will contact you to administer the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory). Following the assessment, the psychologist will also meet with you and your spouse (if applicable) to discuss the psychological considerations of surrogacy in detail. This consultation provides a valuable opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have and to ensure you both feel fully prepared for this significant journey.
Criminal Background Check
Once you submit your surrogacy application, our team will carefully review it to determine if you meet the initial qualifications to proceed to the next step. As part of our thorough screening process, we will conduct a comprehensive criminal background check on both you and your spouse or domestic partner. This step is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the surrogacy journey.
Finding Your Perfect Match
During our thorough screening process, we will work diligently to connect you with a family whose surrogacy journey expectations align with yours. We’ll start by asking you thoughtful questions to understand your preferences and goals for this experience, ensuring we can facilitate a meaningful match.
Once your application is approved, your profile will be shared with prospective intended parents for their consideration. If there is mutual interest, we will then share the intended parents’ profile with you. If both parties feel it’s a good fit, we will arrange a virtual meeting via video chat, or an in-person meeting at our office if everyone is geographically close.
While matching can often happen within 30 days or even sooner, please know that we consistently have wonderful intended parents with embryos ready, ensuring we can find the right match for you in a timely manner.
Dedicated Case Management: Your Constant Support
From the moment you are accepted into our surrogacy program, you will be assigned a dedicated case manager. This experienced professional will provide continuous guidance and unwavering support throughout your entire journey, from the initial application stage all the way through the post-partum period. You can rely on your case manager to be your point of contact, offering assistance and answering any questions that may arise along the way.
Fertility Medical Screening
You will undergo a thorough medical screening with the intended parents’ fertility doctor, who will be managing the IVF cycle. Depending on the location of the intended parents’ clinic, this evaluation may require travel, with all associated travel expenses being fully covered by the intended parents.
During your medical screening, you can expect a physical examination, bloodwork, and a detailed evaluation of your uterus, which will likely include a saline sonogram to identify any potential abnormalities. Please note that the results of your medical screening typically take two weeks or longer to be finalized.
Legal Agreement
Once you receive medical clearance, the legal phase of your journey will commence. A comprehensive legal contract will be drafted between you and the intended parents, clearly outlining all the terms and conditions of the surrogacy agreement. This legal process is typically efficient and doesn’t take an extended period.
It’s important to note that you will not be able to begin any injectable medications for the IVF cycle until your legal clearance has been finalized and sent to the fertility clinic. This step ensures that all legal requirements are met before the medical treatment progresses. Upon legal clearance, the clinic will finalize your IVF treatment plan and issue your calendar, which will include the scheduled date for the embryo transfer.
Embryo Transfer Process
Once you receive your cycle medications, the fertility clinic will provide you with comprehensive instructions detailing how to administer each medication and the specific dosages to take. If you require any assistance or would like a demonstration, your dedicated case manager at Fertility Heaven is available to visit you at home or conduct a video chat to guide you through the medication administration process.
During this phase, you will likely have frequent email communication and may receive instructions through an online portal from the fertility clinic. You will also attend local monitoring appointments at a fertility clinic conveniently located near you. These appointments will involve blood draws to track your hormone levels and ultrasounds to assess the readiness of your uterus for embryo transfer.
Once your treatment is complete and your uterus is optimally prepared, the exciting day of the embryo transfer will arrive. You will travel to the intended parents’ fertility clinic for this procedure.
The embryo transfer itself is typically a straightforward and painless process. You will remain awake as the doctor gently inserts a thin catheter through your vagina and carefully places one embryo into the upper part of your uterus.
The first official pregnancy test will occur approximately 10 days after the embryo transfer. However, you may choose to take earlier home pregnancy tests to observe any potential progression.
Pregnancy Confirmation and Ongoing Support
Once a pregnancy is confirmed, you will continue taking some of your IVF medications as directed by the fertility clinic, typically until 10-12 weeks of gestation. At that point, you will be released to the care of your own local OB/GYN. You have the freedom to continue with your existing OB/GYN and choose the hospital where you prefer to deliver.
Throughout your pregnancy, Fertility Heaven remains committed to providing comprehensive support. You will have access to case management services provided by our own experienced nurse practitioner. She can offer assistance with basic medical information and serve as a supportive listener for anything you’d like to discuss during this special time.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to connect with other surrogates in our private Facebook group. This supportive community was created to offer a platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and providing encouragement throughout your surrogacy journey.
Second Trimester: Legal Preparations
As you enter your second trimester, the legal process to establish the intended parents’ rights will begin. In many cases, our legal team will secure a pre-birth order, which is then provided to the hospital administration. This crucial document ensures that the hospital is aware that the baby will be going home directly with the intended parents upon delivery, streamlining the post-birth process.
Delivery and Welcoming the Baby
At the time of delivery, the intended parents will have the honor of cutting the umbilical cord, marking their first physical connection with their child. Following the birth, the baby will stay with the intended parents in their private room within the hospital. Upon discharge, the baby will go home directly with their loving parents, embarking on their new life together.
