Managing Anxiety and Mood During IVF
Key Takeaways Anxiety during IVF is completely normal and rooted in biological, emotional, and logistical stressors. Tools like CBT reframing, structured routines, boundary-setting, and mindfulness significantly reduce emotional overload. Communication with your partner, clinic, and—if applicable—surrogate helps minimize uncertainty. Tracking emotional patterns, not physical symptoms, leads to better mental resilience. You can build a personalized […]
TSH Targets Before and During Pregnancy
Key Takeaways The recommended TSH level before pregnancy is 1.0–2.5 mIU/L for best conception outcomes. During pregnancy, TSH targets vary by trimester but generally stay below 2.5 mIU/L. Thyroid imbalances can affect fertility, implantation, miscarriage risk, and fetal development. Regular thyroid monitoring is essential for pregnant women and gestational surrogates. Early treatment of hypothyroidism with […]
Imaging Pathway — SIS, HSG, 3D Ultrasound, MRI
Key Takeaways The imaging pathway ensures a complete understanding of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes before IVF or surrogacy. SIS evaluates the uterine cavity in high detail; HSG checks tube patency; 3D ultrasound identifies subtle abnormalities; MRI offers deep, high-resolution mapping of complex issues. Using multiple imaging modalities prevents cycle cancellations, repeated failures, and […]
Newborn Insurance — Adding Baby and International Parents
This is the part of the surrogacy journey where insurance shifts from pregnancy-related coverage for the gestational carrier to medical coverage for the baby, starting the moment they are born. For US-based intended parents, this usually means adding the newborn to an existing policy. For international parents, it often means arranging a stand-alone newborn policy […]
Loans and Lending Partners — What to Compare
Financing options for fertility, IVF, donor cycles, surrogacy, and related medical or legal costs. Loan products vary widely in interest rates, repayment structures, eligibility requirements, speed of funding, and whether funds can be used across multiple clinics and agencies. Where It Fits:Right after you have a treatment plan or surrogacy roadmap, but before locking in […]
Medication Dose Estimator — Safety and Disclaimers
Key Takeaways Medication dose estimators provide generalized ranges, not medical prescriptions. IVF dosing must always be customized by a licensed reproductive endocrinologist. Safety limits exist to prevent OHSS, poor response, and unpredictable outcomes. Estimators help you understand the logic behind clinical dosing, not self-dose. All calculators require clear medical disclaimers and usage guidelines. Fertility medication […]
Mediterranean vs DASH vs Plant‑Forward — What’s Practical
Key Takeaways The Mediterranean, DASH, and Plant-Forward diets all reduce inflammation and improve metabolic stability — two major drivers of fertility. Mediterranean is easiest for most people to sustain long-term and has the strongest fertility evidence. DASH offers structured control for people with PCOS, insulin resistance, or high blood pressure. Plant-Forward is excellent for antioxidants […]
Storage & Transport — Moving Eggs Safely
This article explains Storage & Transport — Moving Eggs Safely within the Egg Freezing & Fertility Preservation pathway. It focuses on the practical decisions that influence outcomes, budgets, and timelines—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Egg storage and long-distance transport seem simple on the surface, but small choices can directly affect safety, […]
Disclosure to Children — Timing and Language
Disclosure to children means explaining that their conception involved donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. While some families delay or avoid disclosure, growing research and lived experiences suggest that openness—at the right time and in age-appropriate language—fosters trust and healthy identity development. The “when” and “how” matter as much as the “what.” Who It Helps This […]
Insurance and Maternity Coverage — Reading Policies
Insurance and Maternity Coverage Surrogacy-related insurance includes: Maternity coverage for the gestational carrier (GC) Newborn insurance (intended parent or GC policy depending on state) Complication insurance (e.g., bed rest, disability, life insurance) IVF medication coverage (rarely covered for surrogacy) Specialty surrogacy policies when traditional plans exclude surrogacy Reading policies means understanding: What’s covered What’s excluded […]
