Embarking on a surrogacy journey can be a transformative experience for all involved. Knowing the medical steps in this process helps clarify what to expect. Here’s a breakdown of the eight key stages of the surrogate medical process.

1. Comprehensive Medical Screening

Before initiating any medical procedures, it’s crucial to confirm that your body is prepared to carry a surrogate pregnancy. Medical screening can occur before you are matched with intended parents or after, depending on the surrogacy agency’s protocol.

This screening typically includes various evaluations, such as:

• Pap smear and physical examination

• Blood tests to check for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis

• Hysteroscopy, which uses a thin scope to examine the uterus’s shape and size, ensuring the fallopian tubes are clear

• Saline sonogram, where a saline solution is used to assess the uterus for fibroids or other issues

• Additional tests as required

You may also need to complete any psychological evaluations mandated by your agency before moving forward.

2. Conducting a Mock Cycle

Most surrogates participate in a mock cycle prior to the actual transfer. During this stage, a reproductive endocrinologist will prescribe the same medications you will use for the real transfer. This allows them to monitor your uterine lining's response to the hormones.

Throughout the mock cycle, expect multiple ultrasounds and blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels and uterine lining. A trial transfer may also be performed to determine the angle of your cervix and the length of your uterine cavity, aiding in the embryo transfer procedure.

3. Preparing for Embryo Transfer

If the mock cycle is successful, you’ll move on to preparing for the embryo transfer. The timing will depend on whether you are using fresh or frozen embryos.

For frozen embryos, the transfer aligns with your cycle. Generally, embryos are frozen on day five, meaning they should be transferred five days after ovulation.

For fresh cycles, synchronization between your cycle and that of the egg donor or intended mother is required. This is typically achieved through birth control pills and Lupron injections to regulate hormone production. The egg donor or intended mother will also undergo fertility treatments to produce multiple eggs, followed by egg retrieval.

Once the eggs are fertilized and incubated for five days, the embryo transfer date can be set.

4. The Embryo Transfer Procedure

The day prior to egg retrieval, you’ll discontinue Lupron and begin progesterone to support the uterine lining. Progesterone may be administered orally, via suppositories, or through intramuscular injections, often given by a partner or healthcare professional.

You may also start estrogen supplements in the form of pills, patches, or shots. This hormone regimen continues until approximately the twelfth week of pregnancy, when the placenta takes over hormone production.

On the transfer day, typically five days post-ovulation, one or two embryos are placed into your uterus using a thin catheter, guided by abdominal ultrasound for precise placement. The procedure is usually quick and painless, often requiring minimal recovery time.

5. Confirming Pregnancy

About nine days after the embryo transfer, you’ll visit the medical clinic for an HCG test to measure pregnancy hormone levels. A count of 50 or higher indicates a positive pregnancy, while a level above 200 may suggest multiples.

Two days later, another HCG test will confirm rising hormone levels, which should ideally double every 48 hours. This marks an exciting time in your surrogacy journey, but keep in mind that multiple transfers may be necessary for a successful pregnancy.

6. Six-Week Ultrasound

If HCG levels are positive, a six-week ultrasound will be conducted to check for a fetal heartbeat. If detected, you may transition to an OBGYN for ongoing care. Depending on your clinic and agreement with the intended parents, another ultrasound may be scheduled around the twelfth week to ensure continued viability.

Throughout the six- to twelve-week period, expect regular appointments to monitor hormone levels and overall pregnancy health.

7. Ongoing Prenatal Care

After being released to your OBGYN, you’ll receive routine prenatal care akin to any other pregnancy, with potentially more frequent visits to monitor progress. If carrying multiples, referrals to a perinatologist specializing in high-risk pregnancies may be necessary.

8. Final Thoughts

This overview outlines the general surrogate medical process, but each journey is unique. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about medications or procedures.

While the medical process may seem daunting at first, remember that you’ll have a dedicated team of fertility specialists to support you throughout the journey, ensuring both your health and that of the baby.

For more information on what to expect during the surrogacy medical process, consider reaching out to a surrogacy professional today.