The Gestational Carrier Process

The gestational carrier process may seem confusing and complex when you first learn about it. However, if you decide to work with a support service like Rite Options, you will receive a great deal of support throughout the surrogacy process. In addition, you will get first-hand, accurate information from professionals in this field.

Every surrogacy journey is different and special. There are standard steps that every surrogate must take. Listed below is what you can generally expect in the gestational carrier process:

Routine Testing

After being matched with the intended parents, the surrogate will undergo a complete medical check-up with a licensed fertility doctor. This includes a vaginal ultrasound which helps to determine the health of the uterus and whether the surrogate will be able to carry the baby to term. If fibroids, cysts, or endometriosis is discovered during the tests, the surrogacy process might be canceled or delayed.

Routine blood tests are also administered to examine hormone levels in the surrogate and rule out infectious diseases like hepatitis, herpes, and AIDs. Surrogates can also expect to have a pap smear and a mammogram.

Preparation for Fertilization

After receiving and assessing the test results, the process of in vitro fertilization will commence. The Intended Parent and gestational surrogate will consult with a fertility specialist who will guide them in this phase. Both will be expected to take medications, both oral and injections to harmonize their menstrual cycles, stimulate egg release and prepare the uterus for embryo implantation.

In Vitro Fertilization

Prior to harvesting the intended mother’s eggs, the surrogate will need to take progesterone hormones to prepare her uterus for implantation. After the egg retrieval procedure (from the intended mother), the embryologist will combine the eggs with sperm from the intended parent father. This is left for incubation for up to five days.

If the incubation results in a healthy embryo, this will be transferred into the gestational carrier’s womb. This procedure occurs while the surrogate is awake. Prior to the transfer, she may be given meds to facilitate the thickening of her uterus lining. Using an ultrasound, the embryos will be placed into the surrogate’s uterus. She will be asked to lie down for a brief period of time.

Post Embryo Transfer

After the transfer, the surrogate will be advised to rest for up to 72 hours. This helps to ensure that the embryos will implant successfully into the uterine lining. After ten days have passed, a blood test will be performed to determine if a pregnancy has occurred. In case the result is positive, the gestational surrogate will have to take additional hormones and medications, such as progesterone and estrogen. Blood tests will be conducted regularly to monitor the surrogate mother and fetus’s health.

If the pregnancy is deemed stable (after 3 months), the gestational surrogate will be transferred to an obstetrician for support and monitoring for the duration of the pregnancy. During this time, additional ultrasounds and monitoring will occur.

To learn more about the gestational carrier process, contact Rite Options.