This article is a continuation of A Surrogacy Pregnancy: What to Expect Before you’re Pregnant. Please read this previous blog as it is an informative piece on the beginning of the surrogacy process. This blog will outline the process after all medical and matching steps are completed. We will focus on preparing your body for pregnancy, the IVF process, and surrogate pregnancy.
Medications, what to expect. There are medications to prepare your body for the IVF process and for a healthy but unrelated embryo to grow and develop in your uterus. And yes, some do involve injections. When you are naturally pregnant, your body produces several hormones to create a successful pregnancy. When you are a surrogate, medicines are used to recreate these hormones and the environment for a healthy pregnancy. Please refer to our blog for a list of medications typically used for a gestational carrier.
The embryo transfer process, what to expect. The embryo transfer procedure, also known as IVF (in vitro fertilization), is usually one of the first questions potential surrogates ask when beginning their journey. The embryo transfer usually takes place in a fertility clinic or nearby hospital. The process does not cause discomfort and does not require anesthesia. The transfer is performed through the vagina using a catheter inserted into the cervix so that the embryos can be inserted into the uterus. Some surrogates explain it to be less uncomfortable than an annual pap smear. The process usually takes approximately 10-15 minutes, and then surrogates are required to remain at the clinic for about 1-2 hours afterward. Surrogates are also asked to restrict their activities or even be on bed rest for 1-3 days following the transfer procedure. Each fertility clinic has its own protocol regarding this.
Beta day – what to expect. After the IVF transfer, you have to wait (impatiently) about 9 – 14 days to find the results of your transfer. You will have blood drawn at your clinic to conclude if the transfer worked and if you are indeed pregnant! Once the blood test is completed, the clinic will send the results to your doctor for review. From there, your nurse will call you and your intended parents to discuss the results.
In the event of a negative beta, the surrogate is generally directed to stop all medications immediately, and the next steps are discussed between your doctor, Shared Conception, and the intended parents.
You’re Pregnant, now what to expect. You will have to continue some medications throughout most of your first trimester. The exact end date is decided by your doctor, and you are usually weaned off the meds. You will also have weekly blood tests at the clinic to check your hormone levels until you graduate to your preferred OBGYN. This is right before or at the beginning of the second trimester when the pregnancy becomes more like your previous one(s). Moving through to the third trimester, in the final stretch, you can revel in knowing you are about to help create a family! Like a natural pregnancy, around 36 weeks, you will have to visit your doctor more frequently, and as the due date approaches, your doctor will check to see if your cervix has begun to dilate. Overall, our surrogates are encouraged to take care of themselves. Shared Conception will be there to navigate you through any concerns, issues, or problems you may have to make this journey the best experience for you.
Shared Conception is an expert in surrogacy. Give us a call today, and let’s get started on your life-changing journey! Call us at our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Or, visit www.deliveradream.com to get started on an application to become a surrogate.
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