The difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy pregnancy is there is no genetic link between the baby and surrogate and the conception occurs through an IVF procedure.
Many women ready to become surrogates want to know if a traditional pregnancy is like a surrogacy pregnancy. This is a twofold question. The conception is different, but the pregnancy part is pretty much the same.
The Conception of it All
A gestational surrogate is not related to the baby she is carrying. This means that the conception is entirely different from a traditional pregnancy.
Surrogacy agencies only accept surrogate applicants who have had children of their own – they must also have no pregnancy or delivery complications.
A surrogacy pregnancy is through an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. The embryo transfer happens after a surrogate completes a round of hormonal medications to prepare her body and uterus for IVF.
The egg which creates the embryo does not belong to the gestational surrogate. Instead, it is either from the intending mother or an egg donor.
The Surrogacy Pregnancy
Once a surrogate undergoes IVF, she will visit her fertility specialist for bloodwork and other tests to determine if the embryo transfer was a success. Once a pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate will stay on track with her OB/GYN visits.
Before the transfer, it’s spelled out in a surrogate’s contract as to who her OB/GYN will be for the pregnancy. Many times she chooses her OB/GYN.
Aside from the IVF, the feelings of pregnancy will be very much the same as when she was pregnant with her children. This may include the first trimester symptoms of fatigue, bloating, and nausea.
The Surrogacy Pregnancy Mindset
Being pregnant as a surrogate is much different than being pregnant with one’s own children. First off, they are carrying another person’s baby. Their intending parents (who a surrogate gets to choose), will more than likely have some special requests such as eating only organic food. Gestational carriers receive compensation for any additional expenses related to her surrogacy.
Another different mindset is the entire pregnancy. Yes, a gestational carrier is feeling the baby grow and kick. There is a specific type of bond that takes place in that she is helping her intending parents have this baby – they would never have been able to do this without their surrogate.
A surrogate knows going into this arrangement that this baby was never hers – she already has her children, with at least one still living with her.
The Big Day
On delivery day, a surrogate usually has her husband or partner with her at the hospital. Also, her intending parents are there in the delivery room waiting to see and hold their baby for the very first time.
For a surrogate, that’s the best part of all.
To learn more about being a gestational surrogate, please visit Extraordinary Conceptions or call 760-438-2265.
