What to expect during the surrogacy process

Having a baby is an incredibly exciting moment in anyone's life. Unfortunately, not everyone can conceive naturally, and this can be heartbreaking for those who want nothing more than to have a child. Fortunately, surrogacy is an option for those who can't carry a pregnancy themselves. If you are considering surrogacy, here is what to expect during the process.

1. Finding the Right Surrogate

The first step in the surrogacy process is to find a surrogate. There are different ways to do this, including working with an agency or finding an independent surrogate. Regardless of which route you take, it's essential to choose someone who is a good fit for you.

During this stage, you can expect to go through a background check, medical tests, and interviews to ensure that the person you choose is healthy, legal, and reliable. It's also important to have a contract in place that outlines everyone's expectations and responsibilities.

2. Medical Procedures

Once you find a surrogate, the next step is to start the medical procedures. This will involve hormone treatments for the surrogate to prepare her uterus for the embryo transfer. You and your partner will also undergo medical tests to ensure that your eggs and sperm are healthy.

The next step is to fertilize the eggs with sperm in a laboratory, creating embryos. These embryos are then transferred into the surrogate's uterus. After this, it's time for the two-week wait to see if the embryo implanted successfully.

3. Pregnancy

After the embryo transfer, the surrogate will be monitored closely to see if the pregnancy takes hold. Once the pregnancy is established, the surrogate will work with her doctor and the intended parents' doctor to ensure that everything is progressing as it should.

The intended parents will likely attend many of the appointments to monitor the pregnancy's progress and bond with the baby as it grows. The surrogate will typically be compensated for her time and effort, in addition to any medical expenses, throughout the pregnancy.

4. Birth

When the baby is ready to be born, the surrogate will give birth and often choose to have a planned c-section or natural birth. The intended parents will be present during the birth and will likely be named on the child's birth certificate.

5. Post-Birth

Once the baby is born, there are still some legal proceedings to go through. In some states, the intended parents will need to obtain a court order to establish their parental rights fully. It's essential to have a lawyer throughout the entire process to ensure that everyone's rights are protected.

Conclusion

The surrogacy process can be a long and emotional journey, but it's one that can result in a beautiful and loving family. By finding the right surrogate and having a clear contract in place, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Remember to take care of yourself during this journey and seek support when you need it.

¡Surprise Me!