Surrogacy is a life-altering journey that fills families around the world with joy. For a healthy and healthy pregnancy, all surrogates must undergo a thorough medical screening process. It is the screening that makes the surrogate healthy enough to undertake the journey.
If you’re learning about surrogacy, you’ll have to learn these medical guidelines. Take a closer look at what’s involved in the screening process below.
Why Medical Screening is Essential for Surrogate Mothers
Medical screening ensures a surrogate is both physically and mentally fit to conceive a baby in the name of the intended parents. As she will get pregnant on behalf of her intended parents, she should be fit along with her ability to deliver a healthy pregnancy.
A surrogate mother agency ensures that all potential applicants are thoroughly medically screened prior to applying to perform IVF and surrogacy. Screening avoids complications, conserves the health of the surrogate mother, and guarantees higher chances of carrying a healthy pregnancy.
Step-by-Step Medical Screening Process
1. Initial Health Evaluation
Before the surrogacy process, the surrogate mother must be at least in a minimum state of health. A good surrogacy center in the USA conducts an initial screening of health, which includes:
- Past history of pregnancy, medical.
- Screening of chronic diseases or those likely to affect pregnancy screening.
- Screening of lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol, or drug abuse.
2. Physical Examination
There is also a routine checkup to ensure that the surrogate is healthy. They include:
- Measurement of weight, height, and BMI (Body Mass Index).
- Vital signs check such as heart rate and blood pressure.
- Breast and pelvic examination for reproductive checkup.
3. Blood Tests and Laboratory Work
Blood tests play a vital role in identifying whether there are possible health complications. The tests check for:
- Infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis.
- Hormones for checking fertility health.
- Rh factor and blood grouping.
- Total blood count for the detection of anemia or any other issues.
4. Reproductive Health Tests
The surrogate needs a healthy reproductive system to be able to bear the baby. The following mentioned tests need to be conducted by the physicians:
- Ultrasound Scan: Safeguards the health of the uterine and ovarian.
- Hysteroscopy or Sonohysterogram: Picking up abnormal issues like fibroids or cysts.
- Pap Smear and Cervical Cultures: Screening for cervical problems and infection.
5. Psychological Evaluation
Surrogacy is physical as well as mental. Psychological evaluation is probing if the surrogate mother is ready for it. This includes:
- Psychological screening by a professional counselor.
- Assessment of how the emotional effect of carrying another individual’s baby can impact the woman.
- Verify with support groups like family and friends.
6. Genetic Testing
There is some requirement for genetic tests by some surrogate mother agencies to exclude genetic diseases. There is some genetic counseling if there is a reason for concern.
7. Drug and Alcohol Screening
The surrogates must pass drugs and alcohol. One way of verifying if they comply or not by regular checks is it.
Understanding Surrogate Requirements
The applicants to act as a surrogate have certain lifestyle and medical needs. The most typical surrogate requirements are:
- Between 21 and 39 years of age.
- Having a minimum of one successful pregnancy earlier and no past pregnancy complications.
- No history of any drug or substance abuse and should be a non-smoker.
- Healthy BMI with normal levels.
- Compliance with all the medical and psychological tests.
Surrogacy Process After Medical Screening
Once she has undergone the medical screening, a surrogate is at liberty to proceed with the surrogacy process. Here is what follows:
1. Legal Agreements
The surrogate and intended parents enter into an agreement. The agreement outlines the surrogate compensation, duties, and rights for both the surrogate and the intended parents.
2. IVF and Embryo Transfer
Gestational surrogacy involves the use of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to create embryos by utilizing the sperm and eggs of the intended parents or donors. The embryo is implanted in the surrogate mother’s womb.
3. Pregnancy Monitoring
Surrogate will undergo regular medical check-ups during pregnancy to check on the baby as well as herself. The sessions involve:
- Ultrasounds during routine check-ups.
- Prenatal blood tests and screening.
- Consultations with obstetrician and fertility specialist.
4. Delivery and Post-Birth Process
The surrogate mother gives birth in the hospital, where trained medical attendants ensure a safe and healthy delivery. The legal process after delivery creates the rights of the parents, and the baby is handed over to the intended parents.
International Parents and Surrogacy
Different international parents choose the USA as the surrogacy destination because there is proper legal coverage and quality medical facilities in the country. There is a top-notch surrogate mother agency that offers foreign intended parents the full range of assistance to experience a smooth and safe process from beginning to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is medical screening important in the surrogacy process?
Ans: Medical screening guarantees a healthy surrogate and baby pregnancy. Screening minimizes health risks and maximizes the chances of gestational surrogacy success. Thorough testing also guarantees the surrogate qualifies for all health-based surrogate mother requirements.
Q: What medical tests are required for becoming a surrogate?
Ans: A surrogate mother is extensively medically tested, including blood tests, ultrasounds, and infectious disease tests. She is tested to ensure that she is physically healthy and fit enough to become pregnant. She is also tested by a fertility expert to confirm that her uterus is healthy enough to carry the baby to term.
Q: How does surrogacy work in terms of medical preparation?
Ans: Medical screening starts the process, followed by hormonal therapies to prepare the surrogate uterus. IVF and surrogacy professionals implant an embryo into the surrogate uterus. Follow-ups are kept regular during pregnancy for verification of health and development.
Q: Does surrogate compensation cover medical expenses?
Ans: Yes, surrogate compensation will generally cover all the medical expenses of screening, pregnancy, and delivery. Intended parents or the surrogacy agency arrange to pay for these services so that the best available medical treatment is provided to the surrogate.
Q: Where can I find a trusted surrogate mother agency for medical screening?
Ans: Surrogacy4All has a sound and detailed screening process for becoming a surrogate. All our surrogates are of the top medical quality, guaranteed by our personnel. To learn how to start your surrogacy journey, contact us today at (212) 661-7673.
Q: Should international parents be involved in the medical screening process?
Ans: The international parents do not need to travel with the surrogate for the medical checkup. They are given reports and updates by the American Surrogacy Center. The agency informs the intended parents about the surrogate mother in order to make the process transparent.
Conclusion
Medical screening is an important part of the surrogacy process. It protects both the surrogate and the baby and provides a greater likelihood of a successful pregnancy. A surrogacy clinic in the USA, such as Surrogacy4All, will guide you through every step of the process, from medical screening and birth.
If becoming a surrogate is something you are thinking of, knowing these laws will be a good heads-up on the process and enable you to make the best decision. Done correctly with proper medical care and attention, surrogacy can be a wonderful experience for all parties concerned. If advice professionally is warranted, Surrogacy4All would like the caller to contact Surrogacy4All at (212) 661-7673 today.