What is Gestational Surrogate?
A gestational surrogate is a woman who carries a child for another person or couple. The woman is impregnated via in vitro fertilization. The surrogate is not biologically related to the child because biological eggs or sperm are used.
Who Might Benefit From Gestational Surrogacy?
- People who have been struggling with infertility.
- Single people who want to be parents.
- Same-sex couples who want to start a family.
- People who are unable to carry a full-term pregnancy.
Pros And Cons of Gestational Surrogacy
Pros
Gestational surrogacy makes it possible for people to have a family if they are unable to conceive naturally. It also allows a child to maintain a genetic link between its biological parents. Additionally, there are fewer legalities involved because the surrogate is not related to the child.
Cons
Surrogacy can be expensive. The people seeking a surrogate will have to pay a surrogate to carry their child to term, pay for fertility treatments and pay for obstetric care as well. The intended parents will have to relinquish a lot of their control because someone else is carrying the child. If the intended mother is using her eggs, then she will have to get fertility treatments.
The Process
The surrogate will have to be screened thoroughly before the in vitro fertilization. The purpose of the screening is to check for serious health problems to ensure the surrogate is healthy enough to carry a child to full term. All the parties involved will have to sign a consent form.
The implantation phase is the second phase. The egg and sperm will be joined inside of a lab. The embryo will be placed in the uterus three to five days later into the surrogate’s womb.
If IVF is successful, then the pregnancy journey will begin. The surrogate will have to go to the doctor several times throughout the pregnancy until the child is delivered