The World of Surrogacy brings along many words that you wouldn't usually encounter during a "normal" pregnancy. Below are some of those words explained.
Amniocentesis
This test aims to detect any chromosomal problems through the examination of the cells in the amniotic fluid around the baby. A doctor puts a needle though the belly and into the uterus to collect amniotic fluid. This test is done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Amniocentesis also can help find neural tube defects, such as Spina Bifida
Beta Testing
This is a fancy term for a pregnancy test. The blood test indicates whether a surrogate is pregnant approximately 10 days after the embryo transfer. It measures the levels of estradiol, progesterone, LH, and HCG to indicate pregnancy. If the first beta is positive, then the intended mother or surrogate goes for two additional tests. After three tests, she will go for a confirmation of heartbeat ultrasound that officially confirms pregnancy.
Blastocyst (“blast”)
Blastocyst is the last stage of development an embryo must reach before it is implanted in the uterine wall. Only about one third of the embryos become blastocysts Usually after five to six days of incubation.
Carrier Agreement
The Carrier Agreement is a legal contract between the surrogate and the intended parernts. The terms of the contract are negotiated by the parties through their legal representatives. Once the contract is signed, its terms will govern payments and other details. It is important for both the intended parents and the surrogate to read the contract carefully so that all conditions are understood.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Doctors can use this test to look at cells in the placenta. CVS can be performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. A doctor collects a sample of Chorionic Villus (Placental) cells by inserting a thin flexible tube (catheter) into the uterus though the vagina or by inserting a needle through the belly into the uterus. Similar to an amniocentesis, a CVS procedure can be used to find chromosomal birth defects, such as Down syndrome.
Cycle Schedule
Your IVF clinic creates this timeline, which lists important local monitoring appointment dates leading up to the embryo transfer.
Embryo
An embryo is a fertilized egg. Embryos are cultured in a lab for two to five days before they are transferred to the surrogate on either day three or day five.
Embryo Cryopreservation
Embryo cryopreservation or embryo freezing offers a second chance to conceive from the first IVF treatment cycle. Not all intended parents who pursue IVF will have embryos left that are suitable for freezing.
Endometrial Biopsy
In this procedure, a doctor removes a tissue sample from the lining of the uterus and examines it under a microscope to detect any abnormal cells. This may occur following the surrogate’s initial medical screening.
Fresh Egg Transfer
In a fresh egg transfer, eggs are retrieved from the egg donor and then immediately fertilized. Based on their quality and grade, the resulting embryos can be transferred into the intended mother or surrogate on either day three or day five.
Frozen Egg Transfer
In a frozen egg transfer, a frozen egg, which is kept at a lab or IVF clinic, is thawed and then fertilized. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the surrogate on either day three or day five, based on its quality and grade.
Frozen Embryo Transfer
A frozen embryo transfer occurs when a frozen embryo (an already fertilized and frozen egg) is thawed and transferred into the intended mother or surrogate.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy by the cells that form the placenta. Levels can first be detected by a blood test about 11 days after conception. In general, after a successful embryo transfer, HCG Levels will double every 72 hours.
Invasive Procedure
According to most Carrier Agreements, a surrogate may be reimbursed for any procedure that she may require during the surrogacy that is considered “invasive.” This would include amniocentesis, CVS, abortion, cerclarge, surgical D& C, selective reduction, surgical removal of ectopic pregnancy, and/or any other invasive procedure related to surrogacy.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF )
A process by which eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the womb in a controlled environment: either a test tube or Petri dish.
IVF Clinic
A clinic, chosen by intended parents, that specializes in assisted reproductive technology. This clinic will perform the egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Also known as: IVF Center, Fertility Clinic, or Fertility Center.
Local Monitoring Clinic
The surrogate and/or egg donor will go to a local monitoring clinic for regular blood work and ultrasounds. We help locate a local monitoring clinic close to the surrogate’s and egg donor’s homes in an effort to reduce the number of visits needed to the intended parents’ IVF clinic.
Medical Screening
Medical screening occurs during a preliminary appointment at the intended parents’ IVF clinic and includes a check-up, testing, and education about IVF to help ensure that the surrogate and/or egg donor is ready and able to move forward.
Pre-Birth Order (PBO)
The term for a court judgment that is acquired before the birth of the child. Typically, it will require that your name(s) be placed on the initial birth certificate and allow you access to your child while he/she is in the hospital. The terms of the order are case-specific. A pre-birth order is only allowed in certain states and under certain conditions; therefore, it may not be appropriate or available for every situation.
Post- Birth Order
The term for a court issued order that is acquired after the birth of the child. Typically, it will place one or both of the intended parents on the birth certificate and remove the surrogate from the birth certificate. This generally terminates any parental rights the surrogate has to the child by virtue of giving birth. A post-birth order is not allowed in every state and may not be appropriate or available for every surrogacy arrangement.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
PGD offers the opportunity to test a single cell from an eight-cell embryo for certain diseases caused by a mutation in a single gene prior to the embryo transfer procedure.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound involves the use of high frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body. The machine sends out high frequency waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create a picture. In surrogacy, as in any pregnancy, an ultrasound is typically used to provide a picture of the baby in the surrogate’s uterus.
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