Understanding the Different Types of Surrogacy
Are you struggling with infertility or facing other obstacles in your path to growing your family? Surrogacy is something that we often recommend to patients at our Encino, CA, and Bakersfield, CA, offices. Today, advancements in technology and related services make it more effective than ever before. In this blog post, we’ll look at the different types of surrogacy and why it might be right for you.
Traditional Surrogacy
In traditional surrogacy, a woman becomes pregnant naturally or through assisted reproductive techniques. In either case, she becomes pregnant using her own eggs which means that she will have a genetic link to the child.
Because traditional surrogates are related to their babies, it is rarely recommended. Legal issues can arise, as well as negative psychological effects.
In rare instances, a woman might wish to have a family member, like a sister, become a traditional surrogate. This way, she can still be related to the baby. In those cases, however, it’s best to proceed carefully and consult with an attorney.
Gestational Surrogacy
When patients at our Encino practice think of surrogacy, they’re likely referring to gestational surrogates. Gestational surrogates do not have a genetic link to the child and simply carry the baby to term.
The Gestational Surrogacy Process
Gestational surrogacy uses in vitro fertilization (IVF), or the process of combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory setting, to create embryos. Once viable embryos have been identified, one or more will be transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. The pregnancy will proceed normally until the delivery date, at which point the intended parent(s) will begin caring for the baby.
The sperm and eggs can be provided by the intended parent(s) or you might choose to use donor eggs or sperm.
Is Surrogacy Right for Me?
Many hopeful parents turn to surrogacy to start or grow a family. It’s often recommended for:
- Women who have anatomical issues: Some of our patients have uterine abnormalities, for example, due to scarring that resulted from a previous surgery.
- Other health-related issues: Women who have been treated for certain types of cancer may be unable to carry a baby. In other cases, a woman’s physical or mental health could be put at risk due to the hormonal fluctuations and other changes that occur in the body during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Same-sex male couples: Choosing to work with a surrogate can allow non-traditional families the joy of having a baby. In many cases, they’ll choose to use their own sperm so that they are biologically related to their child.
- Women who have experienced miscarriages: Recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as experiencing two or more miscarriages, can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences we see. Whether the cause is identified or not, surrogacy can offer hope for many of our patients in this type of situation.
Regardless of the unique reason you’re considering using a surrogate, our team is excited to help traditional and non-traditional families navigate the path to parenthood.
Set Up an Appointment to Learn More
With our advanced laboratory and impressive success rates, you can trust you are in good hands at the Los Angeles Reproductive Center in Encino and Bakersfield. Message our practice today to request a consultation and learn more about what surrogacy could mean for you.