Are You Willing to Become a Gestational Surrogate?

To become a gestational surrogate for a couple is a decision that requires huge amount of emotional investment. The whole phase of 10-12 months and even the period after that is life changing. For a woman, who wants to become a gestational surrogate, she might be surrounded with certain reservations. Some of those frequently asked questions are answered below,

1. Should a woman have had a previous pregnancy and delivery before becoming a gestational surrogate?

Yes. Before becoming a surrogate for someone else, you need to have gone through it once for yourself before you decide you are willing to go through same for someone else. Women who have healthy, strong, bodies that provide safe and nourishing places for an embryo to grow into a fetus and be delivered as a baby are selected for gestational surrogacy process. You would be medically examined and asked whether you have completed a pregnancy without any serious medical conditions.

2. Are gestational surrogates genetically related to the baby?

No. It is because the gametes, i.e., the egg and sperm used to make that embryo are of intended parents or donors and you are required to carry the embryo formed from those gametes. Therefore, the child would not be genetically related to the gestational surrogate.

3. What are the age requirements for gestational surrogates?

A woman must be at least 21 years of age and below 40.

4. Is there anything required from surrogate’s partner?

Yes. Your partners needs to assist you in,

• Emotional support

• Infectious Disease Testing. In medical screening (HIV, Hepatitis B and C, CMV, and any other sexually transmitted diseases or disorders) to avoid any high risk behaviors is also important for your partner (no tattoos with unsterile needles, new sexual partners, etc.).

• Participation in psychological meeting.

5. Are gestational surrogates allowed to have sex?

If you are sexually active, you can generally continue your intimate relationship without restrictions. A healthy sex life is beneficial to your relationship and can reduce stress. However, some IVF clinics may place restrictions on intercourse around the time of the embryo transfer or if you are pregnant and experiencing bleeding. The medical provider at the clinic would be the person to make the final recommendation about intercourse.

6. Does any part of the gestational surrogacy process hurt?

Becoming pregnant as a surrogate does involve a number of vaginal ultrasounds and speculum exams. These exams are not pleasant and if they are painful, you should let the medical provider seeing you. There are modifications that can be made to make the experience less uncomfortable.

The embryo transfer often requires the surrogate to have a full bladder. It may sound odd, but that is one of the most common things people complain about! The actual embryo transfer, at most would be a little bit crampy, for most clients.

7. Can I continue the medications I regularly take during the process?

Yes, most medications are safe during pregnancy. Pahlajani Surrogacy Care 

will review each medication you take and discuss it in the context of becoming pregnant. The fertility medical provider you will be seeing at the IVF clinic is the person who will make the final decision about which medications you can take, which ones may need to be switched, and if any medicines need to be stopped. Your health and well being is a top priority, so no changes will be made without your agreement.

As a gestational surrogate, you would be expected to take prenatal vitamins and possibly some supplements, based on the vitamin you are taking. These costs would be reimbursed, per your Gestational Surrogacy Agreement.