Surrogacy is a hopeful path for those struggling with infertility due to uterine reasons or other challenges in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy themselves. It is an opportunity for individuals and couples to experience the joys of parenthood when other options have not been successful.
This process involves working with a surrogate, a woman who will carry and deliver the baby for the intended parents. After the baby is born, the intended parents legally become the child’s parents.
In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of surrogacy, the different types, how the process works, and what to expect throughout the surrogacy journey.
First check your eligibility for surrogacy
Before you move ahead, it’s important to understand the legal framework in India.
According to the Lok Sabha Surrogacy Regulation Bill 2019, surrogacy is only available to legally married Indian couples who have been married for at least five years. These couples must also have a certificate from a doctor confirming that they are medically unable to conceive a child on their own.
It’s important to note that homosexuals, live-in couples, singles, and couples who already have children are not eligible for surrogacy.
If you are a legally married couple struggling to conceive, surrogacy might be the right option for you.
Reasons to Consider Surrogacy
- Medical issues with your uterus
- Hysterectomy (surgery that removes your uterus)
- Congenital Mullerian anomalies
- Frequent implantation failures
- Conditions that make pregnancy unsafe, like severe heart disease, obesity, diabetes, maternal age, or certain sexually transmitted diseases.
- Unsuccessful multiple attempts with assisted reproduction treatments like IVF.
What are the different types of Surrogacy?
When considering surrogacy, it’s important to understand the different types available. In India, only gestational, altruistic surrogacy is allowed.
- Traditional Surrogacy
In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is also the child’s biological mother. This is because her egg is fertilized by sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. This process is typically done through an infertility treatment called intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- Gestational Surrogacy
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not biologically related to the child. Instead, an embryo is created using the egg and sperm from the intended parents through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Once the embryo is developed, it is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. This means that while the surrogate carries the baby, she is not genetically related to it.
- Altruistic surrogacy
Altruistic surrogacy is a type of surrogacy agreement where the surrogate does not receive monetary compensation beyond her medical and legal expenses. This is a selfless act where a woman carries a baby for the intended parents without expecting payment.
What is the process of surrogacy? (Step by step guide)
The surrogacy journey is full of love, hope, and collaboration, helping many aspiring parents fulfill their dreams of having a baby. This guide walks you through each stage of the surrogacy process, from initial planning to welcoming a baby.
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Preparing for Surrogacy
Before starting the surrogacy journey follow below required steps:
- The intended parents need to obtain medical certificates from experts that confirm the necessity of surrogacy.
- The couple is responsible for finding and selecting a suitable surrogate.
- The couple must seek approval from the court to proceed with the surrogacy arrangement.
- The chosen surrogate will undergo screening by medical experts to ensure her suitability for the process.
- Once selected, the surrogate will also require approval from the court.
- Finally, it is important to hire a legal advocate to assist in obtaining a parentage order for the intended parents.
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Medical Procedures and Pregnancy
This stage covers the medical procedures and the progress of the pregnancy:
- Fertility Treatments: In gestational surrogacy, the intended mother or an egg donor undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce eggs. These eggs are fertilized with sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The IVF experts carefully evaluate the resulting embryos and then transfer to the surrogate’s uterus.
- Prenatal Care and Support: The surrogate will receive comprehensive prenatal care, including regular check-ups and ultrasounds. Intended parents often participate in key appointments and provide emotional support, connecting with the unborn child throughout the pregnancy.
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Birth and Post-Birth Process
The final stages of surrogacy involve the birth of the child and transitioning to parenthood:
When the surrogate reaches full term, she will deliver the child. Depending on agreements and legal regulations, the intended parents may be present during the birth. This is a deeply emotional moment for everyone involved.
Each step, from preparation to birth, involves careful planning and emotional connections.
Being well-informed helps intended parents navigate the journey confidently, supported by experienced professionals, and ultimately achieve their dream of becoming parents.
Final Insights on Surrogacy
Surrogacy offers a remarkable option for families who cannot conceive naturally. To ensure success on this journey, it’s important to research and select a reputable hospital like Motherhood Hospital, which is registered as a surrogacy clinic.
You should also be prepared for the emotional and financial challenges that surrogacy can bring. However, the rewards of surrogacy can be truly life-changing.
If you are facing any challenges due to long-standing infertility and multiple IVF failures, we encourage you to speak to a fertility specialist or surrogacy counselor to discuss your options and determine if surrogacy is the right choice for you.
At Motherhood Hospital for Surrogacy, we are committed to helping families build their dreams of having a child. Our team of experienced professionals can guide you through the entire surrogacy process. We believe every family deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of parenthood.
Let us support you on your path to parenthood. Schedule a visit to our clinic today!
