Surrogacy is a wonderful and beautiful experience. It is one the greatest gifts you can give someone. It can also be a daunting and confusing experience in the beginning. We have compiled a list of the top terms and definitions to make the process easier to understand.
Interested in being a surrogate? Apply on our website here:
1. Surrogate/Carrier/Surrogate Mother: These terms can be used interchangeably. There are generally two types of surrogates. A traditional surrogate and a gestational surrogate. If you are thinking about applying with Genesis-Rising surrogacy center, you will be a Gestational Surrogate.
2. Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate becomes pregnant through invetro fertilization, also referred to as IVF. An embryo is made from the egg of the Intended Mother or egg donor and sperm from the Intended Father or sperm donor. The embryo is then implanted into the uterus of the surrogate, the surrogate does not have any genetic link to the baby.
3. Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate becomes pregnant through artificial insemination and is genetically related to the baby. This is not common and we do not do this type of surrogacy.
4. IP's or Intended Parents: The Person or Persons you are matched with and will be the legal parents of the baby. You may also hear IM, Intended Mother and IF, Intended Father.
5. Egg Donor: A woman who donates eggs for assisted reproduction via IVF.
6. Sperm Donor: A man who donated his sperm for assisted reproduction via IVF.
7. Match Call: Typically a video call between the Surrogate and IP's to get to know each other before agreeing to match.
8. Matching Phase: The period of time spent matching a surrogate with IP's. Both parties will agree before a "match call" is setup.
9. Medical Screening: A 1-2 day trip to the IP's IVF Clinic, paid for by the IP's. An ultrasound and bloodwork will be done to determine if the surrogate is a good candidate for surrogacy.
10. Carrier Agreement/Carrier Contract: Legal contract between the surrogate and the intended parents. The parties negotiate the contract with there legal representation. Once the contract is signed, the terms of the contract govern the parties interactions during the course of the pregnancy. It is very important that both parties read the contract carefully and full understand the terms before signing.
11. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A process by which eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the womb in a controlled environment: either a test tube or Petri dish. A reproductive endocrinologist performs the process at an IVF clinic.
12. Frozen Embryo Transfer: A process that occurs when a frozen embryo (an already fertilized and frozen egg) is thawed and transferred into a surrogate.
13. Beta Testing: A blood test used to help indicate whether a woman is pregnant approximately 10 days after an embryo transfer. It measures levels of Estradiol, Progesterone, LH, and HCG (hormones that indicate pregnancy).
14. Amniocentesis: A test used to detect any chromosomal problems through the examination of the cells in the amniotic fluid around the baby. This test is done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy (usually around week 16).
15. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): A test performed between 10 and 12 weeks to look at cells in the placenta by inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the uterus through the vagina or by inserting a needle through the belly into the uterus. Similar to an amniocentesis, a CVS procedure can be used to find chromosomal birth defects, such as Down syndrome.
16. Pre-Birth Order: A court issued order that is acquired before the birth of the child. Typically, it will place the names on the birth certificate and allow you access to the child while he/she is in the hospital
17. Post-Birth Order: A court issued order that is acquired after the birth of the child. Typically, it will replace the surrogate with the intended parents on the newborn’s birth certificate.
These are some of the most common terms you will see come up what researching Gestational Surrogacy. We are always happy to answer any additional questions, we offer free consults for Intended Parents and Gestational Surrogates.