Definition of Surrogacy: a woman who becomes pregnant by implantation of an embryo created by in vitro fertilization (IVF) for the purpose of carrying the fetus to term for another person or persons.

Gestational Surrogacy is the act of a selfless, amazing woman carrying the embryos (that soon turn into a baby) for a couple or individual who otherwise would not be able to have a biological family of their own. Put simply, it starts as a medical procedure and from there the support you receive becomes your village – from medical providers, insurance experts, legal teams and of course emotional support.

Acronyms and who is who.

The people wanting to have children by way of surrogacy are called Intended Parents (IPs) and the amazing women who help them are called Gestational Carrier (GC) or Gestational Surrogate (GS) – that’s me and you, sis!

Who are these intended parents?

The couples who need assistance growing their family will work with a fertility clinic to create their precious embryo(s), they may use their own egg, donor eggs or the eggs of a known family member or friend. Sperm is also provided by the intended father(s), a sperm donor or from a known family member or friend. Once the eggs are retrieved and the sperm is deposited, the embryos will be created in the IVF lab at the clinic the IPs are working with. Science is pretty incredible!

Surrogate Pre-Screening steps

Once the embryos are ready, or while the IP is working to create those embryos, there are a few tests and steps that the surrogate (GC/GC) will need to complete before we can transfer those embryos. The surrogate will have to:

1. Complete an application with the surrogacy agency
2. A background check will be performed
3. A consultation with a mental health professional will be completed with you and your partner
4. All prior pregnancy, delivery and Pap Smear records reviewed by the IPs IVF doctor.

Once those steps are completed and the IVF team has approved your prior pregnancy records you will be set up with a match meeting with the IPs – facilitated by the surrogacy agency – THE FIRST SUPER AMAZING PART!!!  After the match call, if everyone is interested in proceeding, you will be contacted by the fertility clinic to schedule your in-person medical screening . The medical screening process is usually one day at the clinic, an ultrasound will be performed as well as a few blood tests and a urine drug screen. Results of this screening process can take about 2 weeks. While you wait for screening results, you will likely start prenatal vitamins and vitamin D supplements.

Once the results are received back and everything is “normal” you will receive MEDICAL CLEARANCE, which alerts the agency and the attorneys to start working on the surrogacy agreement and legal contract.

Medical clearance, check! Legal Clearance, check!

Once Medical and Legal clearances are received you will be contacted by the IVF clinic to outline the cycle calendar for the embryo transfer, which will list all medication doses and timing as well as when all your blood work appointments and ultrasound will need to be scheduled.

Strangers become family!

The goal here is to intertwine two families in the most wholesome, beautiful way. You have something they need to grow their family and they will be forever grateful for your contribution to this beautiful journey. The relationship you have with the IPs will be so unique and special, they will soon be a very important part of your life, and you theirs. The amount of contact and type of relationship you want with the IPs for this journey will be very important to discuss with the agency before you are matched, as it will be an important part in matching you with the right family to embark on this journey with.

We will be here for you every step of the way, and will always do our best to advocate and support you to ensure this journey is as beautiful as it can be. We are here for you, sister!!

Link to Brooke’s Blog

Link to Blog about medical process.