As intended parents begin the process of building a family through IVF, the chances are high that you will require a gestational surrogate.
The technical term is a “gestational carrier": Also known as a gestational surrogate. This is the woman who carries a pregnancy and gives birth to a child for another woman or couple. For a woman to serve as a gestational carrier, an embryo (created by the process of in vitro fertilization) is implanted in her uterus.
A great surrogate can make all the difference in your journey to parenthood. There are a few requirements for a woman to become a surrogate. If you have an offer from someone you love or know, there are still a few things to consider when choosing her to ultimately be your surrogate.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you move forward and choose a surrogate:
If you’re using a great surrogate program or agency, they can help you find the perfect fit. Finding a great fit in a gestational carrier is key to creating a seamless journey. You want to ensure that both you and your surrogate are on the same page in terms what is expected in both the carrying of the embryo and also the relationship you’ll be building.
Some intended parents want a very close relationship with their gestational surrogate as they journey through the next nine months. Many surrogates remain part of the parent’s lives for years to come. Others (while still appreciative), prefer to keep a little more distance between the parties. When searching for the perfect surrogate, do your best to find a fit that will make everyone comfortable.
It is key to find a gestational surrogate who has had a healthy pregnancy or pregnancy. Finding a surrogate who already has her own children can save a couple a lot of strife. This also helps to ensure that the surrogate will remain content being just the vessel, as bringing a child into the world as a first-timer can create substantial emotional side effects.
Find a surrogate who has a good BMI, and is also in the suggested age range. Setting yourself up for success in terms of the surrogate’s health will increase your chances of a successful full-term pregnancy and embryo implantation.
IVF has many costs associated with it. One of them are the many travel costs intended parents incur by bringing in donors or surrogates from different parts of the nation. The truth is, if you find one you love from a different state than the IVF clinic you’re using, you should do all you can to bring her to the clinic for the embryo transfer.
Otherwise, find a surrogate that is local to the home you want to bring your children home to. Based on where you plan on having the child, a local surrogate can save you substantially and set you up nicely for a delivery at your chosen hospital.
Though there are many elements out of control in the process of IVF, we do our best to excel at the elements we are in control of. You are in control of choosing a surrogate you are thrilled with to help you build a family.
Trust, patience, and a deep breath can help ease the sometimes challenging timelines of an IVF journey. To discuss more about surrogates, implantations, and how to get pregnant through IVF, speak to one of our fertility specialists today.