Parenthood can be a challenging thought, particularly for couples dealing with infertility. But, all the medical and technological advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy, have opened new avenues for building families.
For those who cannot carry a pregnancy to term, using a gestational carrier, commonly referred to as a surrogate, can be a viable option.
What is the process of getting pregnant through IVF?
IVF is a sophisticated medical procedure where an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body in a lab, creating an embryo that is then implanted into the uterus. This process involves several key steps:
Ovarian Stimulation: Fertility medications such as Recagon 50IU Injection containing Follitropin Beta stimulate the woman's ovaries to produce multiple eggs, maximising the chances of successful fertilisation.
Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the ovaries using a minor surgical procedure. This is typically done under sedation to minimise discomfort.
Fertilisation: The retrieved eggs are then fertilised with sperm in a laboratory setting. This can be done using standard insemination or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.
Embryo Culture: The fertilised eggs are cultured in a lab for several days until they develop into embryos. The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer.
Embryo Transfer: The final step involves transferring the embryo into the uterus of the intended mother or a gestational carrier. If successful, the embryo will implant itself in the uterine lining and begin to grow.
Who is an IVF gestational carrier?
A gestational carrier, also known as a surrogate, is a woman who carries a pregnancy for someone else. This option is often chosen when the intended mother cannot safely carry out a pregnancy due to medical reasons.
Eligibility Criteria: A gestational carrier must meet specific health criteria to ensure she can safely carry the pregnancy. These include good physical and mental health, a history of healthy pregnancies, and extensive medical and psychological screening.
Legal Considerations: Surrogacy involves complex legal agreements to protect the rights of all parties involved. The intended parents and the gestational carrier need to have clear, legally binding contracts that outline responsibilities, compensation, and parental rights.
Emotional Support: Both the gestational carrier and the intended parents need robust emotional support throughout the process. Surrogacy can be emotionally taxing, and having access to counselling services can help navigate the emotional challenges.
Communication: Open and honest communication between the gestational carrier and the intended parents is crucial for a successful surrogacy arrangement. Establishing clear expectations from the beginning helps prevent misunderstandings.
Health Monitoring: Healthcare professionals closely monitor the gestational carrier’s health throughout the pregnancy. Regular check-ups ensure the pregnancy progresses smoothly and that any potential issues are addressed promptly.
Can you go for IVF with a gestational carrier?
Choosing to use a gestational carrier in conjunction with IVF offers several advantages, particularly for couples who have struggled with infertility.
Increased Success Rates: IVF success rates are often higher when using a gestational carrier, especially if the intended mother has health issues that could affect pregnancy.
Biological Connection: Unlike adoption, IVF with a gestational carrier allows one or both intended parents to have a biological connection to their child.
Reduced Risk: For women with health conditions that make pregnancy risky, using a gestational carrier mitigates these risks while still allowing them to have a child.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Gestational surrogacy is a legally protected process in many countries, offering a clear framework for both parties. This can provide peace of mind to the intended parents.
Control Over Pregnancy: Intended parents often feel more in control over the pregnancy process when working with a gestational carrier compared to other options like adoption.
What are some of the considerations when using a surrogate mother?
While IVF with a gestational carrier offers many benefits, there are some challenges intended parents should consider.
Financial Cost: IVF and surrogacy can be expensive, with costs varying widely depending on the location, medical services, and legal fees. It’s important to plan financially for the process.
Emotional Strain: The process of IVF and surrogacy can be emotionally taxing for all parties involved. The intended parents and the surrogate must be prepared for the emotional ups and downs.
Legal Complexities: The legal aspects of surrogacy can be complex and vary by region. Ensuring that all legal requirements are met is crucial for a smooth process.
Time Commitment: The process of IVF and surrogacy can be lengthy, often taking several months to a year or more. Patience and perseverance are key.
Ethical Concerns: Some people have ethical concerns about surrogacy, particularly regarding the potential for exploitation of surrogates. It’s important to choose ethical surrogacy practices.
What are the safety concerns of surrogacy?
Women undergoing IVF, whether they are the intended mother or a gestational carrier, need to take care of their health to ensure the best outcomes.
Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for supporting reproductive health. Women should focus on eating nutrient-dense foods to support egg health and pregnancy.
Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise can help improve fertility and prepare the body for pregnancy. Activities like walking, yoga, and swimming are excellent choices.
Stress Management: IVF and surrogacy can be stressful, and managing stress is important for overall health. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and counselling can be beneficial.
Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for hormonal balance and overall well-being. Women should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Health Supplements: In some cases, health supplements such as folic acid and prenatal vitamins may be recommended to support fertility and pregnancy health.
IVF and surrogacy with a gestational carrier offer incredible opportunities for couples struggling with infertility to build their families. While the journey can be complex, understanding the process, benefits, and challenges can help intended parents make informed decisions.