What is the process to become a Surrogate, in the medical aspect?
- Initially, we will arrange for a preliminary blood work screening at a facility near your home.
- Once you have successfully passed the initial blood work screening, the next step will be a comprehensive medical screening which will include a pelvic exam, ultrasound, additional blood work, and cultures for sexually transmitted diseases and toxic substances. If applicable, you will be given lab orders for your partner to also have blood work screening for STDs and toxic substances.
- Once medically, psychologically and legally cleared, an IVF cycle calendar will then be created with important dates and prescription medications. Our physician’s office will go over in detail the names of the medications, instructions on use, and side effects. It is important to note that once injections begin, the surrogate must abstain from sexual intercourse. During the cycle, but prior to the actual embryo transfer, you will be required to go to the doctor’s office for vaginal ultrasounds and bloodwork at least one to two times per week. It is vital that you attend these appointments and take the medications as instructed by your physician.
- The embryo transfer happens approximately four weeks after the start of injectable medications. The transfer itself is about a ten-minute procedure. The embryos are placed in fluid in a syringe with a small catheter tube. The catheter is put through the cervix and into the uterus where the embryo is transferred. You will be required to be on bed rest for 24-72 hours depending on the physician’s protocol. While on bed rest, it is important to remain calm and still to give the embryos the best possible chance for taking. Follow up appointments for blood work between the transfer and the pregnancy test will occur to monitor hormone levels.
- A pregnancy blood test will be done twelve to fourteen days after the transfer depending on how the calendar falls. There will be two blood tests and a heartbeat ultrasound to verify a positive pregnancy. Once you are pregnant you will continue your medications to ensure that the pregnancy will continue to grow. Once the pregnancy is stable (around 10-12 weeks) you will be instructed to stop the medications and begin to see your personal OB doctor for the remainder of the pregnancy.
