THE PROCESS
After you return your full-length questionnaire, one of our Surrogate Coordinators will set up and conduct a phone interview with you. This is not meant to be intimidating, it’s just a more personal way to get to know you. We will be explaining all that is involved in the surrogacy process and answering any questions you may have. During the interview process of becoming a surrogate mother, you will be asked about your medical and pregnancy history. And, while you may have answered questions related to your pregnancy on the application and during your initial interview, you will be required to gather certain medical records and forms detailing your previous pregnancy(ies) and confirm your current clean bill of health from your medical providers. We will also need photographs of you and your family. It is easiest if the photographs are in digital format and are emailed directly to us.
GATHERING YOUR INFORMATION
If you haven’t started already, you will need to collect your medical and insurance information. This includes:
- Recent pap results from within the last 12 months
- A clearance letter from your OB stating that you are approved to carry another pregnancy
- Labor and delivery records from the hospitals at which you delivered. These records will be shared with the doctors/nurses at the Intended Parents’ fertility clinic for review. Once the clinic gives its “record review” approval, it will reach out to all parties to schedule a screening visit at its facility. You will also need to get us a copy of your FULL AND COMPLETE health insurance policy (if you have one).
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK
During the initial matching process with Reproductive Possibilities, you will be sent paperwork to fill out. These documents consist of an agreement to work exclusively with Donate-Or-Surrogate, an explanation, and an agreement of working with https://www.kleinfertilitylaw.com/about/brian-klein (who will manage the escrow account), and authorization forms for a potential background check. The background release forms are documents
HOME VISIT WITH A SOCIAL WORKER
We locate a social worker, who will reach out and schedule a time to visit you and your family at your home. During this visit, they will speak with you (and your husband/partner if applicable) to discuss their support of you pursuing gestational surrogacy. During the visit, the social worker will want to meet your children as well. They may speak with your older children to make sure that they understand and are also supportive of surrogacy, but their meeting with younger children will be brief and friendly and not discuss surrogacy in any way. The social worker may also research your neighborhood to ensure that you live in a safe and supportive community. During the visit, the social worker will look around your home to make sure that you live in a safe and clean environment. Once the home visit is complete, the social worker will write up a report and share it with us and the Intended Parents.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM
Typically, the fertility clinic will have a psychologist on staff that will complete the psychological portion of your screening. Again, this will be completed for both you and your husband/partner if you have one. If the clinic does not have a psychologist on staff, we have a psychologist we work with. Usually, this screening consists of a multiple-choice test as well as an in-person interview.
SCREENING VISIT
This visit will be the first time that you meet the Intended Parents in person. The surrogate and her husband or partner (if applicable) will travel to the fertility clinic for a full-day visit to have most, if not all, physical screenings completed. During this visit, the surrogate will also learn about the fertility medication she will be taking in preparation for the embryo transfer and will be taught how to manage and execute her medication protocol (injectables, suppositories, patches, etc.) The type of screening and testing to expect at the fertility clinic are: blood and urine analysis, saline sonogram, and physical evaluation clearance will be given by the clinic once they receive the results from all testing. This typically takes anywhere from 10-14 days. Once the confirmation of medical clearance from the fertility clinic is received you will move to the CONTRACT phase of your surrogate journey!
THE MOST COMMON GESTATIONAL SURROGACY MEDICATIONS
Birth Control Pills
You have to take birth control pills in order to become a gestational carrier. The fertility clinic needs to be completely on top of your cycle in order to successfully plan the embryo transfer. That’s why you will need to take and stop taking, birth control pills as surrogacy medication in accordance with the guidance from your clinic.
Estrogen
Practically all surrogacy medication timelines include estrogen. This can be taken as a pill, applied with a patch, or given via injections. Your specific timing, dose and delivery method will be determined by your clinic.
Lupron
This surrogacy medication helps to regulate your cycle and prevent premature ovulation. It is often deployed in tandem with birth control pills to help the clinic stay on top of your cycle.
Progestogen
Just before the transfer, you will most likely need to take an injection of progestogen, which aids in preparing the uterine lining for the implantation of the embryo.
Medrol
Some surrogacy medication timelines will include Medrol, which is a low-dose steroid that some fertility clinics use to improve the chances of a successful embryo transfer.
Aspirin
Taking low-dose aspirin is a common practice before and during pregnancy. Depending on the clinic you work with
Prenatal Vitamins
Like any other woman preparing to become pregnant, it’s important to take care of your body with prenatal vitamins taken before and after the embryo transfer.
A Surrogacy Medication Timeline
Your fertility clinic will give you a surrogacy medication timeline, sometimes called a protocol. You will be given detailed instructions — down to the exact time of day — for when to take your medications.
MEDICAL PROCESS
Once our team has found the perfect surrogacy match for you, you’ll be connected with the fertility clinic chosen by the intended parents. The clinic will most likely start you on a prescription of birth control pills to begin your gestational surrogacy medications.
Step 2: Lupron
Since Lupron is intended to work alongside birth control pills in regulating your cycle, it’s often prescribed by clinics as the next step of the surrogacy medication timeline.
Step 3: Estrogen
After your birth control and Lupron, medication schedule has progressed, you’ll most likely add estrogen to your list of gestational surrogacy medications at the direction of your clinic. Estrogen is usually taken via pills twice a day.
Step 4: Progesterone and Medrol
Surrogacy medications like Progesterone and Medrol, which can help prepare the uterine lining for implantation and increase the chances of a successful embryo transfer, could be prescribed just before your transfer date.
Step 5: Additional Surrogacy Medications
Medication after a successful embryo transfer is determined on a case-by-case basis by medical professionals.
Side-effects of surrogacy medication that You Could Experience could include:
- Headaches
- General Discomfort
- Hot Flashes
- Injection Site Irritation
- Rashes
- Breast Tenderness
Some women do experience all the side effects, while others have a relatively smooth and side-effect-free surrogacy medical process.
Common Questions about Gestational Surrogacy Medications
- Do you have to take medication for IVF surrogacy?
Yes, you will have to take some surrogacy medications in order to become a gestational carrier.
- Do surrogates have to have shots?
Generally speaking, yes. While many of the surrogacy medications listed here can be taken via pill, shots will be required to deliver several of the most important medications.
- Do surrogates have to take hormones?
Every gestational surrogate’s medical process is unique.
- What if I have an objection to one of the required gestational surrogacy medications?
It’s important to deal with any objections or disagreements upfront. It is always your right to voice your concern. However, if you do refuse to take a medication that a clinic requires, then the Intended Parents will most likely need to find a different surrogacy match