Share this Image On Your Site
APPLICATION
A Successful Surrogate Applicant:
- Has previously given birth
- Is under the age of 39
- Has a BMI of under 32 and up to 35 considered in Canada.
Important Aspects Which Will Be Considered:
- How was your previous pregnancy and delivery?
- Do you have any preexisting medical conditions?
- How is your mental health?
- Are you on any medications?
- Do you smoke, take drugs, or drink?
Do Surrogates Need to Be Entirely Medication-Free?
Many surrogates take medication. Whether or not yours allows for you to be a surrogate depends on which ones you take, and if you were on it for your previous pregnancy. Check with a doctor.
SCREENING
What Happens at Screening Appointments?
- Medical Tests
This will include a physical exam and a review of your medical, gynecological, and pregnancy history.
- Psychological Screening
This will include a counseling visit.
- Laboratory Testing
Your blood and urine will be sent off to a lab. You might also be asked to give a pap smear or cervical culture samples.
- Ultrasound
- Sonohysterogram
This is a water test of your uterus to make sure the shape of your uterus is normal.
How Long Does Screening Take?
Generally, this can be done in one visit and will take about half a day.
What Happens if My Screening Shows Something Abnormal?
Often, these things are manageable but could require a small procedure or treatment to continue.
Is There a Correlation Between Pregnancy and My Thyroid?
Yes— but it is possible to take thyroid medication during pregnancy to get everything in order.
EMBRYO TRANSFER
Medicated Frozen Embryo Transfer
This process involves taking hormones (estrogen and progesterone) until you are 12 weeks pregnant.
Natural Frozen Embryo Transfer
Less common, this method will be based on your natural menstrual cycle, and you won’t need to take very much progesterone. You may not take estrogen with a natural transfer.
What is the Transfer Process Like?
- Generally, it doesn’t require sedation
- You’ll arrive hydrated and with a full bladder
- You’ll be prepped in a similar manner to before a pap smear
- A small catheter will be inserted into your uterus
- The embryo will painlessly be inserted
- The entire procedure lasts a few minutes.
Then What?
- 12-14 days later, you’ll take blood tests to confirm pregnancy.
- At 6 weeks, you will have an ultrasound for viability. There will be occasional ultrasounds afterwards.
- At 10 weeks, you’ll take an NIPT test.
- From 12 weeks, you will generally proceed as with a “normal” pregnancy.
